Hoardings are typically seen as solid barriers used to secure construction sites, protect the public, and keep projects hidden until completion. However, they’re increasingly being used for much more, especially as effective wayfinding tools. Wayfinding involves systems that help people navigate complex or unfamiliar areas, which is essential on large construction sites with multiple access points and phases. With smart design, hoarding panels can guide workers, visitors, and the public clearly and safely. This blog explores how construction hoarding can double as directional signage, why it’s a smart choice, and how to implement it effectively on your own project.
What is Wayfinding in Construction?
Wayfinding is the process of helping people move through an environment using visual cues, signs, and spatial understanding. In public spaces, this usually involves signs, arrows, maps, and landmarks that show people where to go or what to avoid.
On construction sites — especially large-scale or multi-site projects — wayfinding plays a key role in safety, efficiency, and the overall experience of people navigating the area. Confusing layouts, lack of signage, or unmarked areas can lead to missed appointments, safety hazards, or delays in site access.
In construction, wayfinding can guide:
- Pedestrians walk through temporary pathways
- Workers to different site areas or entry points
- Delivery vehicles to designated drop zones
- Emergency personnel to the right location
Incorporating wayfinding into hoardings is a practical and cost-effective solution that solves these problems while enhancing communication across the site.
Why Use Hoarding Panels for Wayfinding?
Using your construction site hoarding as a wayfinding tool is a smart use of resources. These panels are already part of your site setup, meaning you don’t need to install extra structures or materials to display signage. By incorporating directional and location-based information into the hoardings, you turn them into multi-functional tools.
Here are some key benefits of using hoardings for wayfinding:
1. High Visibility
Hoarding panels are typically placed at the outer edge of a site, often in areas with a high volume of foot or vehicle traffic. This makes them ideal for displaying directions, maps, and important notices.
2. Durable and Weatherproof
Unlike paper signs or temporary boards, hoarding panels are built to last throughout the duration of the project. They can handle wind, rain, and other weather conditions, keeping your wayfinding system intact and easy to read.
3. Cost-Effective
Since the hoarding is already a required part of any construction site, adding wayfinding messages doesn’t significantly increase your costs. Instead, it makes better use of the space you already have.
4. Fully Customisable
Hoardings can be printed in full colour with bold graphics, clear fonts, and branded visuals. This allows you to match the tone and style of your company while also delivering helpful directions to those on and around the site.
Design Strategies for Wayfinding Hoardings
To make hoardings effective as wayfinding tools, the design must be clear, consistent, and purposeful. Here are a few design strategies that work well:
Colour Coding
Assign different colours to different areas or site phases. For example, blue panels for office zones, red for staff-only areas, green for pedestrian paths, and so on. This helps viewers associate colours with particular zones at a glance.
Use of Arrows and Symbols
Directional arrows should be large and easy to follow. Combine them with universally recognised icons — such as toilet signs, danger warnings, or walking paths — to support both English and non-English speakers.
Site Maps
Add simple, easy-to-understand site maps on panels located near entry points or decision points (like a fork in a walkway). Use “You Are Here” markers and walking distance estimates to help people plan their route.
Clear Typography
Use large, bold fonts that are easy to read from a distance. Avoid overly decorative typefaces that could confuse or slow down reading.
Informational Zones
Split your construction site hoarding into zones that communicate different messages — for example:
- Welcome and branding
- Safety and PPE requirements
- Navigation and site directions
- Project updates and milestones
Combining Navigation with Brand Storytelling
Wayfinding panels offer more than just practical help — they also present a unique chance to tell the story of your project. While guiding people through your site, you can also communicate:
- The mission or purpose of the project
- Sustainability or environmental commitments
- Project timelines or future plans for the space
This builds trust with the public and keeps them informed, which is especially helpful in high-profile or publicly funded developments.
Consider including branded language, slogans, or visual themes throughout your hoarding. This reinforces your message while creating a clean and professional appearance across the site boundary.
Examples
Here are a few practical examples of how construction site hoarding has been used successfully for wayfinding on large projects:
City Centre Redevelopment
A large retail and residential development in a busy city centre used hoarding panels to divide zones into “Residential Phase A”, “Retail Zone”, and “Contractor Access Only”. Each zone had colour-coded panels with clear walking directions to nearby bus stops, car parks, and entrances.
Hospital Expansion
During a major hospital expansion, pedestrian detours were needed around temporary construction barriers. The site used printed hoardings with maps, arrows, and estimated walking times to help patients and visitors find their way. This reduced confusion and improved the visitor experience.
University Campus Development
A university building project included open days for stakeholders and staff. The construction site hoarding displayed event-specific directions, meeting points, and safety instructions. The panels doubled as both marketing tools and wayfinding aids.
Tips for Implementing Wayfinding Hoardings
If you’re considering using hoardings for wayfinding on your site, here are a few tips to make the most of the opportunity:
- Plan Early
Integrate wayfinding into your hoarding design from the start. Work with your design and health & safety teams to map out routes and key information points. - Focus on High-Traffic Areas
Prioritise hoarding panels located near public paths, site entrances, or vehicle access points. These are where wayfinding can have the greatest impact. - Keep Information Updated
If your site layout changes, be ready to update your wayfinding graphics. Choose print solutions that allow you to replace or overlay panels easily. - Think About Night Visibility
Use reflective vinyl or lighting near hoardings to ensure visibility in low-light conditions, especially for 24/7 construction sites or winter working hours. - Add Protective Finishes
Choose anti-graffiti coatings or scratch-resistant laminates to keep your wayfinding panels clean and readable throughout the project.
Conclusion
Using hoarding panels as wayfinding tools on construction sites is a smart, simple way to improve both site safety and public experience. Whether you’re managing a city centre project, a campus redevelopment, or a large infrastructure upgrade, wayfinding hoardings help guide people clearly and efficiently while also reinforcing your brand message.
At Hoarding Print Company, we specialise in creating high-quality, fully customised hoardings for construction sites of all sizes. If you’re ready to make your hoarding work harder for you, contact us today to discuss your wayfinding needs.
