BAA asks designers for directions

BAA, which owns and operates seven UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, is seeking a design consultancy to develop and improve its extensive wayfinding infrastructure.

BAA head of wayfinding Mike Wolff says: “Information planning is fundamental to good customer service and to the success of new developments in terms of the passenger experience.

“Creating and maintaining a legible environment for nearly 100 million passengers who pass though our airports is a major challenge for BAA.”

According to Wolff, “It will be further tested with the proposed introduction of a fifth terminal at Heathrow in the next decade.”

Six to eight design groups will be shortlisted for the unpaid pitch, with the opportunity of a five-year contract, says a spokesman.

“BAA wants to work over the long-term with its favoured companies and five years is the average term,” he says.