Navigating Narratives: A Literature Review on the Interplay of Signage, Wayfinding, and Architecture in Exhibition Design

This literature review examines the critical role of signage and wayfinding in exhibition design, addressing the research question: What are the approaches and theoretical frameworks that situate signage and wayfinding as a bridge between architecture and exhibition design through the lenses of visitor experience and design intent? In this context, architecture is defined as the fixed, permanent structure, the layout of walls, floors, permanent thresholds, and ceilings, while exhibition design refers to the non-permanent, content-specific spatial and graphic displays within an architectural space. Visitor experience and design agenda are central disciplinary considerations of architecture and exhibition design. Spatial concepts ranging from narrative, circulation, organization, and scale all play important roles for both disciplines. Drawing on qualitative, narrative, and theory-based design literature, the review surveys existing scholarship in signage, architecture, museum studies, and exhibition design to assess the current state of the field. The review finds that exhibition signage and wayfinding are fundamental mediators in the design of temporary exhibitions situated within permanent architectural spaces, guiding visitors through unfamiliar spaces, enhancing engagement, and supporting comprehension of exhibition content. Signage and wayfinding mediate between fixed architectural spaces and the design of temporary exhibitions, bridging spatial approaches, organizational concepts, material choices, and scalar differences. Effective exhibition design treats signage and wayfinding not as an afterthought but as a key element of accessibility and communication. Finally, the review identifies two underexplored areas in current literature: (1) the role of digital media in signage and wayfinding, and (2) ways in which the fixed nature of architectural spaces and the flexible, temporary nature of rotating exhibitions can be brought closer together to increase integration and perhaps go so far to reduce waste generation in exhibition installation and deinstallation.