Following the development of K Block and the ongoing redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s compact city campus, we were engaged to create a wayfinding solution for the site.

The hospital comprises five interconnected blocks — a complex network of buildings that have been added to the site since it was first established as a hospital back in 1811.  Building on the typographic and graphic language developed by ID Lab for K Block, we created a system that extended these foundational elements that would be clear and accessible. We consulted with volunteers who attend information desks, as well as reception and medical staff, to understand the key challenges for visitors. Colour was identified as a useful navigational tool, and we assigned a distinct colour to each block.

Building on the typographic and graphic language developed by ID Lab for K Block, we created a system that extended these foundational elements that would be clear and accessible. We consulted with volunteers who attend information desks, as well as reception and medical staff, to understand the key challenges for visitors. Colour was identified as a useful navigational tool, and we assigned a distinct colour to each block.

We identified key circulation points—such as lifts and stairwells—for signage indicating floor levels. These locations were selected for their high visibility. At major entry points, we installed isometric maps of the campus along with a site directory.

As users move through the hospital and between blocks, large block letters (e.g. ‘C’), combine with their corresponding block colour and directional arrows quickly orienting visitors. The wayfinding system, originally designed in 2017, continues to be implemented and has informed wayfinding approaches in other hospitals across the state. We are currently applying this approach to two new mental health precincts in Launceston and Burnie, in collaboration with Artas Architects.