Why do signs and directories matter in airports and other large public buildings?

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The Great Court at the British Museum in London features a large central rotunda surrounded by wide steps and a glass and steel lattice roof, with visitors walking throughout the space. — Architecture The Great Court, designed by Foster and Partners, 2000; in the British Museum, London.

In the context of architecture, signs and directories are essential components of graphic design that have become increasingly important due to the growing size and complexity of modern structures.

In large public buildings, such as airports, these elements serve two primary functions:

Functional Efficiency: They are necessary to make complex interior spaces work by providing clear navigation and identification for users.1
Aesthetic Cohesion: When well-designed, these graphics contribute to the visual unity of the building, ensuring that signage integrates seamlessly with the overall architectural environment.1

As structures become more expansive, the role of the architect often involves collaborating with graphic designers to ensure that room identifications, directories, and signage are not merely functional additions but are treated as integral parts of the total design.1