Limah wins contract to improve accessiblity at major mosque

Limah Design Consultants has been appointed to develop a comprehensive Wayfinding solution for the existing carpark at Al Masjed Al Nabawi in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, which currently suffers from major congestion.

"The carpark can reach maximum capacity in a matter of minutes during peak prayer times, and major traffic congestion results," explains Jason Lewis, Founder and Managing Director of Limah Design Consultants.

"Currently there is no system of navigation and little signage in the carpark to assist drivers and pedestrians. To add to the confusion, there are nearly 50 different access points to the carpark for cars, pedestrians, buses and taxis, so it is critical for guests to remember and understand their location and entrance points."

As a multi-disciplinary design firm, Limah provides a scientific approach to making complex spaces more efficient through Wayfinding and signage, the use of public art, as well as industrial and communication design.

The 4,400 space carpark, work on which is due for completion in late 2013, is located beneath the mosque and is the main parking area for visitors to the many cultural and religious sites.
"Our work is focused on not only improving the process of navigation but it will also allow drivers to locate spaces and return to their cars easily," added Lewis.

Limah will design a digital navigation parking system with bright and clear LED signage which will assist drivers to find available spaces quickly. Upon entering the mosque guests will also find many visual clues such as wall murals and brightly coloured signage that help them navigate.

"With such an important historical and religious site it's important that everything we do is in keeping with the surroundings: for example the design of the signs reflect the architecture of the nearby buildings, while the names used to define the areas of the carpark are the same as the areas above ground."

"In fact the entire carpark system and Wayfinding masterplan developed by Limah ensures that the underground spaces connect with the above locations, through the use of colours and traditional area names and patterns. The visual clues are depicted through all the levels of the sight, and we even go as far as incorporating the designs in the water features," said Lewis.
"Massive carparks are becoming more common, and merely installing a digital space count system does not solve all the congestion issues, or allow guests to remember where they parked."

"While these projects do often engage a parking consultant, it is critical clients understand the difference between a parking consultant and a Wayfinding consultant. Any large scale carpark requires both to be successful and well-planned Wayfinding systems need to be integrated into overall strategy to improve the overall performance and efficiency of a carpark."

"Clean, functional and accessible carparks can encourage residents and tourists alike to make more visits to these areas. With this understanding, it is our intent to create signage that aids in an enjoyable experience and allows users to both find spaces and in the end locate their car when leaving."