Before the Sign: Evaluating Visual Hierarchy and Navigational Clarity on a High-Tech Campus Using VAS

Wayfinding effectiveness depends on the alignment between environmental spatial hierarchy and elements attracting initial visual attention. This study applies Visual Attention Software (VAS) to assess how the built and landscaped environment of the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), guides pre-attentive visual attention. Sixteen photographs from key navigational contexts—approach sequences, dead-end views, entry thresholds, and intersections—were analyzed using VAS from pedestrian eye-level viewpoints. Results show that vegetation, especially brightly lit canopy openings, frequently dominates predicted saliency over architectural destinations and directional signage. Façades and entrances achieved high saliency when directly framed and unobstructed. Signage performance varied, with pedestrian gates showing text dominance and intersections revealing vegetation distraction. The findings highlight a tension between aesthetic landscaping and navigational clarity, suggesting targeted interventions, such as vegetation management, improved façade visibility, and enhanced sign placement. VAS proved effective for diagnosing bottom-up visual priorities, offering a rapid and replicable method for assessing spatial hierarchy and visual salience in the built environment. Aligning visual salience with wayfinding needs could improve spatial legibility and user experience in complex campus environments.