Factors for Visitor Centre Design Effectiveness

Factors for visitant affection Design EffectivenessAn investigation and analysis of visitor center of attentions and their use with regard to interpretation.Visitor centres ar an important component of attractions or sites. Indeed, their purpose is manifold, ranging from nurture referencing to travel advisement. Architectural design is also a distinguishing visitor centre feature. Designs range from the traditional to the nuance. Discussed here is a comparative visitor centre analysis based on three general themes i) General Purposes, ii) Design and iii) Information A How to Guide.General PurposesThe master(a) role of a visitor centre is to convey information regarding a specific or grouped set of attractions within a defined geographical area to a uninterrupted visitor stream. In this sense, visitor centres are designed to act as reference guides both through directions and information sourcing to those interested in a extra site or attraction (England 2005, Florence 2006, Petrilli 2004). An analysis of visitor centres both within the UK and around the world reveals that information is pass oned in myriad fashion based on general site theme.Several secondary roles are also associated with visitor centres. For example, visitor centres whitethorn act as a shelter and hospitality (however limited) supplier (Wright 20041). These roles may be especially prevalent among outdoor and/or geographically remote centres relative to more urban-set counterparts. Another secondary visitor function may involve travel advisement (Rompf et al. 2005). For example, visitor centres of specific towns or cities may offer services such(prenominal) as road-maps sales, hotel and restaurant directories and weather advisories. These functions exist to lessen the time and financial effort expended by an individual who possesses specific queries regarding personal travel plans. It is important to note that regardless of specific function performed by a given visitor centre, eac h serves to provide primary informative or logistical services with time and cost-efficiency to individuals.DesignThere are several elements that take to visitor centre design effectiveness. These elements include primary structural design, accessibility and invasiveness.It should be noted that within certain categories there are several variations. For example, primary structural designs may consist of simple, traditional enclosures or complex, nuance architecture. Evaluation of design effectiveness is based not on preconceived notions simply of what is soundly vs. what is bad, but rather general appropriateness relative to primary mission of the visitor centre.Discussed downstairs are examples of high vs. poor quality visitor centres. down the stairs each heading, primary examples are listed and discussed. Each example is discussed relative to the main criteria within the design realm (i.e. structural effectiveness, accessibility and invasiveness) that characterizes a visitor centre. mellowed Quality DesignsSydney Visitor Centres, Sydney, AustraliaStructural designs of the Sydney visitor centres are gigantic and open (see visitor centre, The Rocks, right). The Sydney Visitor Centres are situated in the downtown precinct. Accessibility is comminuted given proximity to commercial, entertainment and transportation hubs (i.e. Circular Quay). Also, the centers are well marked to the public. For example, the visitor centre situated in The Rocks (see right) is marked with a large yellow pillar denoting the information symbol. The degree of invasiveness is minimal because the centres exist within already developed commercial areas.Poor Quality DesignsStonehenge Visitor Centre, EnglandThe Stonehenge Visitor Centre designs are sound in structure, but poor in accessibility and invasiveness. For example, early renditions of the visitors centre reflect its use as a modern readiness wherein visitors can become engaged in Stonehenges historical significance. Howeve r, a new visitor centre demands motor-based transportation between the centre and Stonehenge monument itself (BBC Online). Critics imprecate the environmental damage sustained with building of new road infrastructure to facilitate such transfers (BBC Online). Also, the centre is placed such that traffic is bottlenecked along a major interstate motorway (BBC Online).Information A How to GuideInformation presented within a visitor centre is critical to the users overall experience and satisfaction. There are three primary elements of information entry that act not in mutual exclusivity, but in coordination to provide a comprehensive learning experience for a given individual. The first element is information accuracy. Information must be presented with high accuracy to must pellucidly inform individuals of what and why a certain site bears historical, cultural or economic significance. The second element is presentation style. Critical to this element is a respite between detail a nd restrain. Information is most effectively presented if it enables satisfaction among users of a variety of ages, intelligence and general interest levels. The final element involves integration. This refers to the ability to present various different information pieces (i.e. historical accounts, vegetation descriptions2, maps etc) in context of the sites general theme or purpose. For example, the Centre for Disease reckon in Atlanta, US, hosts an exhibit entitled The World Ahead (CDC 2003). The exhibit incorporates several presentations dealing with real, modern risks and threats to global health such as bioterrorism and septic disease (CDC 2003). Information integration is highly effective as the exhibit exists on the premises of one of the most advanced health laboratories in the world.Discussed below are two examples of visitor centres that convey information with high effectiveness. Each example is discussed relative to main criteria within the information realm (i.e. infor mation accuracy, presentation style and integration) that characterizes a visitor centre. As well, visitor centres are examined based on inclusion of essential issues who, what, where, when, why and how related to a specific site.Sydney Visitor Centres, Information serviceConsider this example that uses a template for information services offered by the Sydney Visitor Centres Online. The following is an exert taken from Sydney Visitor Centres Online website (Information Services, http//www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com/ field/dyncontent.cfm?pg=100360) that explains the range of services available within or facilitated by each of its two downtown visitor centresSydney Visitor Centres offer a comprehensive information service, which includesConveniently located centres at The Rocks (9.30am- 5.30pm) and Darling Harbour (9.30am- 5.30pm) open every day of the year except Christmas Day and Good FridayExpert Visitor Services Advisers many of whom are multi-lingualFree information brochures and tourist guides A real-time Booking Service for accommodation, day tours, cruises and other activities in and around SydneyExclusive souvenirs and gifts, postcards, anticipate cards, travel cards, tickets and passes for purchase (Information Services, Sydney Visitors Centres 2006)Consider this outline of information services in the context of satisfying the essential criteria behind any marketing piece answer the Who, What, Where, Why, When and How regarding the visitor centres and their services. First, the who is clearly outlined in the heading, avoiding confusion among individuals as to who to consult vis--vis Sydney attractions and sites. The what is explained in terms of each service offered by the visitor centres (i.e. service advisers, participation services, amenities such as phone cards, tickets etc).Heritage and Leisure, Cork, IrelandInformation and links distributed through the Heritage and Leisure Department of Cork City council highlights the citys most famous attra ctions. For example, links are provided to the Cork Museum, Blarney Castle and Cobh Heritage Centre, each of which possesses a unique significance to Irish culture and record (Cork City Council 2006). The Cobh Centre is particularly well advertised and explained as a sea-farers port, in past for Irish emigrants and in present for cruise liners (Cork City Council 2006). This centre also satisfies the essential information criteria regarding the subject of the site who (Cobh Heritage Centre), what (past port for Irish emigrants), where (Irish southeastern coast), why (drought), when (mid 19th to mid 20th century) and how (via ship).ConclusionsVisitor centres are most effective when blended into respective surroundings and when information is most aptly presented and explained based on site theme. Planners and contractors should heed such fundamental criteria such that future visitor centres accentuate, not dominate specific sites.ReferencesBBC Online Version. Visitor Centre Will Nev er Happen. Undated, Anonymous. Accessed online at http//www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/stoned/countess.shtml, April 17, 2006CDC Hopes to Draw Crowds of Tourists to New Visitors Center. Anonymous. 2003. Physicians pecuniary News. 21(13) 25Cork City Council, Ireland. 2006. Heritage and Leisure. Accessed online at http//www.corkcorp.ie/strategiccorkguide/our_city/heritage_and_leisure.shtml, April 16, 2006England J. 2005. Historic Wood Used in Nature Preserve. Rocky Mountain Construction. 86(16) 42Florence B. 2006. Quill Lakes Prepares for Hordes of alternate Visitors. StarPhoenix, 10 April, p. A3Information Services, Sydney Visitors Centres. 2006. Accessed online at http//www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com/content/dyncontent.cfm?pg=100360, April 17, 2006Petrilli PE. 2004. River of Life. Consulting-Specifying Engineer. 36(4) 48Rompf P., DiPietro RB and P. Ricci. 2005. Locals Involvement in sparkers Informational Search and Venue Decision Strategies While at Destination. Journal of Travel Tourism Marketing. 18(3) 11Sydney Visitors Centres (SVC). 2006. Sydney Visitors Centres. Accessed online at http//www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com/content/dyncontent.cfm?pg=100355, April 17, 2006Wright G. 2004. Capitol Visitor Centre Project Nears Halfway Mark. 2004. Building Design Construction. 45(6) 7Footnotes1 Note that the Capitol Visitor Centre in Washington, DC, holds a capacity of 600 for dining events (Wright 2004)2 See Petrilli (2004) for description of Sandstone Visitor Centre, US, and connection to eco-friendliness