Spatial orientation and wayfinding in the designed environment: A conceptual analysis and some suggestions for postoccupancy evaluation.

□ A psychological, information-processing, model of spatial orientation and wayfinding in the designed environment is proposed. The model identifies a number of basic cognitive processes such as recognition of parts of an environment (e.g., landmarks), localization of reference points, and recall, selection, and sequencing of destinations (choices, decisions, and planning). On the basis of the model, a system for classifying environments is suggested as a heuristic in predicting the extent of spatial orientation and way finding problems. Some specific and general methodological suggestions for postoccupancy evaluation are offered. □