Wayfinding designed for people, not just buildings
This was our first wayfinding project in the Netherlands—and it immediately challenged the local norms. Dutch hospitals tend to put functionality far ahead of design. In fact, most hospital wayfinding systems in the Netherlands look as though design was never even consulted. As Humanics Collective, we approached this differently. We always make sure our systems are not only functional but also attractive. And for us, that means two things: they should be visually pleasing—fitting beautifully into their environment—and they should attract attention in the right way, so people notice and use them when they need to. That dual sense of attractiveness is fundamental to how we design.
Project
Amphia Hospital
Client
Amphia Hospital
Collaborators
Location
Breda, Netherlands
Size
Project Build Cost
Focus
The Challenge
Amphia Hospital in Breda is one of the largest hospitals in the country. With four new buildings designed by Wiegerinck architects, the Molengracht site was transformed into a state-of-the-art facility focused on emergency, complex, and elective care. The architectural concept—described as hoekige statigheid (angular majesty)—showed a clear desire for an environment that did more than function. The design team wanted people to feel good in the space—to enjoy the experience, to feel at ease.
We wanted the wayfinding system to contribute meaningfully to that goal. The hospital, the architects, and the users all confirmed that we succeeded.
Our system balances functionality and design in a way that feels both seamless and intentional. Today, the hospital, its staff, and the architectural team look back on the result with a shared sense of pride.
The hospital needed a wayfinding system that matched the ambition and complexity of its environment—one that made it easy to navigate across both the new and future-refurbished spaces. The existing system lacked coherence and flexibility. It didn’t match the tone or scale of the new facility.
The hospital wanted something radically different: a system that was intuitive, emotionally intelligent, and, as they put it, “fun to use.”
Our Role
We were brought in to rethink wayfinding from the ground up—to design a system that supported both the architectural transformation and the user experience of navigating the site.
We developed a clean, intuitive numerical coding structure that avoided references to buildings or floors. This ensured the system would remain legible even as older areas were renovated or repurposed. What’s particularly interesting is that the numbering might appear illogical when viewed on a floor plan—but when walking through the space, it makes complete sense. The numbers unfold in a natural, sequential way that mirrors the user’s journey. Destinations are easy to locate, and the system feels effortless in motion.
To express the desired tone, we created a visual language inspired by the soft architectural forms of the new buildings. Rounded, tactile shapes and integrated materials made signage feel like part of the architecture. Some freestanding elements were originally envisioned to double as seating or include child-friendly features—playful, inclusive cues that supported the idea of a hospital that welcomes rather than overwhelms. While those elements were value-engineered out, their spirit remains embedded in the tone of the system.
Throughout, we worked closely with clinicians, nurses, and support staff to understand operational realities. Their insights helped shape the strategy—and their involvement helped ensure the system was embraced.
Impact
The new wayfinding was tested with real users, including people with cognitive, visual, and mobility challenges. Feedback confirmed that the system was intuitive, reduced hesitation, and gave users a sense of control and comfort.
This project stands out because wayfinding wasn’t treated as decoration or afterthought. It was part of the architectural and operational fabric from day one.
At Amphia, the environment is complex. But the experience of moving through it is simple, human, and reassuring. That’s what good wayfinding delivers.
