New signs in Itäkeskus Swimming Hall

During the service design project that supported the planning of the renovation of Itäkeskus Swimming Hall, several guidance needs were identified to streamline the use of the pool facilities and services, the most important of which was ‘pool etiquette,’ i.e. the shared rules for the swimming hall, changing rooms and washrooms. 
 
“The key to designing the new signposts was to understand that the swimming hall is not only a public space, but also a meeting place for different user needs and many cultural practices, where residents and visitors meet each other in various stages of undress. The need for multilingual communication was also emphasised at Itäkeskus Swimming Hall, as the population of Helsinki is becoming more diverse and multilingual at a rapid pace,” says Team Leader Ville Laukkanen from Itäkeskus Swimming Hall. 
 
The Itäkeskus Swimming Hall signage renewal included 

• new shared swimming hall rules on digital screens  
• a printed ‘Tervetuloa uimahalliin! Ensikertalaisen muistilista’ (Welcome to the swimming hall! First-timer checklist) guide 
• the ‘Tervetuloa uimahalliin’ (Welcome to the swimming hall) instructional video 
• specific instructions for changing rooms and pools. 

The instructional signs are now posted in Finnish, Swedish, English, Russian, Somali and Arabic. 

In addition to signage, screens have been installed in the washrooms and changing rooms. Women or others who require privacy are still directed to the unisex/family changing rooms, where visitors can change and wash in private. 

“According to the current schedule, the renovation of Itäkeskus Swimming Hall will start in 2027. Improving the washing and changing facilities is one of the key objectives of the renovation," says Ville Laukkanen. 

Towards a pleasant swimming hall experience for everyone 

The partner in the service design of the Itäkeskus Swimming Hall renovation was Pentagon Design Oy. The signposts are illustrated by Robert Lönnqvist, the illustrator known by the name Rakastaja Robert. The warm and humorous illustrations feature a variety of aquatic and marine creatures, and aim to appeal to swimmers of all ages.  

“Itäkeskus Swimming Hall is one of our largest units with around 400,000 visitors a year. The customers include baby swimmers, families, schoolchildren, pensioners, people in rehabilitation, competitive swimmers, synchronised swimmers, scuba divers, sauna bathers, canoeists, sliders, cold plungers, gym goers and exercise course participants. There is room for everyone! The shared rules and signage aim to ensure peaceful coexistence and smoother customer paths for different user groups," says Ville Laukkanen and continues: 

“Everyone is welcome, and we hope that the guidelines will help more and more visitors enjoy the hall. On the other hand, the signposts serve as a tool for staff to facilitate interaction with customers. Swimming and water sports are a great form of exercise for young and old alike. Swimming is also a useful civic skill.”  

Give feedback on the signs to win a prize 

Customer feedback on the new signs is now being collected. This feedback will be used to further develop the signage in connection with the renovation. The customer survey can be completed in six languages: Finnish, Swedish, English, Russian, Somali and Arabic. The survey will be open until 31 March. Respondents will be entered into a draw to win five 10-time Helsinki liikkuu customer cards, which can be used in the City of Helsinki's sports services' swimming halls, indoor sports halls, gyms and weight training halls.  

Complete the survey and enter the prize draw (Webropol)(Link leads to external service)  

Itäkeskus Swimming Hall  
Olavinlinnantie 6, Helsinki 
Website: Itäkeskus Swimming Hall(Link leads to external service)