City of Hope National Cancer Center

Altitude began with patient research that revealed confusing signage and information overload. In response, the team developed a simplified, color-coded strategy organized around three primary routes to outpatient destinations, with highly visible signage, reinforcing graphics along pathways, and clear information at key decision points. 

Using plants from the campus’s peaceful gardens, Altitude incorporated botanical photography into architectural signage and environmental graphics, giving each pathway a recognizable identity. The coordinated system extended across signage, maps, digital kiosks, and destination naming, including maps in six languages.

Across the campus, Altitude also developed design concepts for a sitewide exterior signage system that reinforces City of Hope’s identity while guiding drivers and pedestrians from arrival to destination. Altitude’s concept for the signature gateway identity sign uses a perforated metal pattern based on genomics, relating to City of Hope’s personalized therapies for patients. Monument signs, directional signage, parking identification, and building signs were designed to establish a recognizable look so visitors could easily find the information they need.

Through prototyping, implementation, and post-occupancy assessment, Altitude tested and refined the Main Medical pilot with City of Hope. The result was a clearer, more intuitive experience for patients and caregivers, establishing a strategic foundation that later informed Altitude’s comprehensive wayfinding programs for City of Hope’s Orange County Cancer Center and Hospital.