The Christ Hospital – Wayfinding

Cincinnati, Ohio
Swath Design has been partnering with The Christ Hospital for over 20 years, guiding the evolution of its exterior sign system through various rebrands, campus expansions, and renovations. Initially, the hospital lacked a distinctive presence in its bustling urban neighborhood, and Swath was brought in to help define the campus perimeter, evaluate the wayfinding system, and create a more welcoming sense of arrival.

An audit of the facility was conducted early on, which revealed the need for a more cohesive and effective signage approach. Swath developed a cost-effective strategy to evolve the existing 2|90 sign system into a true wayfinding system. The original system, which relied on a color-coding method tied to specific buildings, became increasingly ineffective as the campus grew and new structures were added. To address this, Swath redefined the color-coding based on the campus’s core vertical pathways, particularly the elevators, which served as key navigational points.

As the hospital expanded, Swath continued to refine and manage the wayfinding system, ensuring it adapted seamlessly with each addition. One notable project was the 2015 addition of the Joint and Spine Center, which featured a distinct architectural style compared to the rest of the campus. The signage in this building was specially modified to blend with the new materials and finishes, while maintaining a consistent feel with the overall system. This ongoing collaboration has helped The Christ Hospital create a clear, intuitive wayfinding experience for patients and visitors, while strengthening its presence in the community.