UC Health – West Chester

West Chester, Ohio
UC Health’s West Chester campus is situated in an area of mixed retail and office spaces, presenting a unique set of challenges for wayfinding. The high volume of vehicular traffic, lack of a clearly visible route, and the unusual location for a hospital all contributed to navigation difficulties. Swath was tasked with designing exterior signage that would serve as an iconic marker, defining the campus perimeter and guiding visitors toward the hospital. The design drew inspiration from the building’s materials and natural elements, creating a path that would stand out in the surrounding environment. As West Chester continues to grow, UC Health plans to expand its services at this location, and Swath remains committed to ensuring the wayfinding system evolves cohesively with the campus.

The exterior signage design informed the interior wayfinding system, creating a seamless visual connection throughout the hospital. Drawing on the architectural color palette, textures, and materials, the interior signage was designed to enhance the hospital’s visual organization without overpowering the space. Sensitivity to budget was also key, with materials selected to differentiate public areas from staff spaces. In public spaces, signage used a mix of materials, while signage in staff areas was simplified.

To further reinforce wayfinding, the architectural color palette was integrated into the signage system to help define the hospital’s levels. A diverse palette of sign types was developed to ensure flexibility as the system adapts to the hospital’s unique environment. In areas with curving corridors, flag-mounted identification signs were used to create intuitively navigable vistas, while overhead and unified path-defining signage provided additional comfort for visitors navigating the hospital. This thoughtful, cohesive design approach ensures a clear and easy-to-navigate environment for patients, staff, and visitors alike.