Legible and meaningful underground space: Investigating non-signage elements in spatial memory and navigation inside Hong Kong underground stations

Abstract

Underground station environment is a complex spatial setting primarily developed on the aspects of technical and commercial considerations, where signage has been granted as the only element for environmental information. This paper put forward the notion towards significance of non-signage elements over signage in this area. This research has investigated Hong Kong MTR users' cognitive image of underground station in order to identify the attributes of non-signage elements in aiding spatial memory and navigation that further contributes to meaning of the environment. Based on preliminary observation and theories it has analyzed the non-signage elements retrieved from users' responses that construct and represent cognitive image of the underground station environment. Study findings indicative to initial proposition on role of signage and non-signage in spatial cognition of underground stations. The findings were further looked for recommending architectural design consideration for livable and meaningful underground stations.