14/06/2026
Creativity in motion the art of way finding
Albert Einstein was once attributed with saying, “Creativity is intelligence having fun” – and when HPA was appointed to reimagine the Sixth Form at Furness College, intelligent wayfinding became central to our creative process.
Wayfinding plays a defining role in how educational spaces are experienced. At the Sixth Form at Furness College, we approached it not as a purely functional exercise, but as an opportunity to rethink how students, staff and visitors move through and engage with the campus, and provide areas for students to meet in person and collaborate.
Understanding the existing environment
Beginning with a feasibility study, we examined how the campus was used – and where it could be improved. While functional in parts, the layout lacked clarity and cohesion. Routes were not always intuitive, signage was inconsistent, and the overall experience could feel confusing, particularly for new users finding the entrance.
The design process started with observation and interviews. By mapping desire lines, bottlenecks and points of hesitation, we gained a clear understanding of how people actually navigated the space. This revealed that wayfinding challenges were rooted as much in spatial design as they were in signage.
Designing for clarity
Rather than relying solely on additional signage, the project focused on using architecture itself to guide movement. Circulation routes were simplified, sightlines improved, and key thresholds more clearly defined, allowing users to instinctively ‘read’ the building.
Where signage was needed, it was developed as part of a cohesive system. Materials, colours and graphics were carefully aligned with the Sixth Form’s identity, supporting navigation without adding visual clutter. We also balanced this against reviewing RICS and Department of Education needs and standards. The strategy also introduced a stronger sense of place, using consistent visual language to create recognisable zones and help users feel more connected to their surroundings.
A subtle transformation
The architectural design process can reframe everyday challenges as opportunities for meaningful change. By looking beyond signage and focusing on how people truly experience space, we delivered a wayfinding strategy that is both practical and enriching, proving that good design is often not about adding more, but about making what already exists work better – creating clarity, coherence, and a stronger sense of place for everyone who uses the building.
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