diff --git a/src/App.vue b/src/App.vue
index eeb7cd5..8914b64 100644
--- a/src/App.vue
+++ b/src/App.vue
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import './styles/evolution.css';
 import './styles/chromatic.css';
 import './styles/refinements.css';
 import './styles/title-navigation.css';
-import './styles/nightshift.css';
+import './styles/wayfinding.css';
 import './styles/print.css';
 
 defineProps<{ inputs: Readonly<ProductionInputs> }>();
diff --git a/src/components/AppShell.vue b/src/components/AppShell.vue
index 024f596..7496192 100644
--- a/src/components/AppShell.vue
+++ b/src/components/AppShell.vue
@@ -2,12 +2,10 @@
 import { computed, onMounted, onUnmounted, shallowRef, watch } from 'vue';
 import ContactDestination from './ContactDestination.vue';
 import DriveControls from './DriveControls.vue';
-import BootSequence from './BootSequence.vue';
 import ExperienceTimeline from './ExperienceTimeline.vue';
 import HeroJourney from './HeroJourney.vue';
 import InfrastructureDiagram from './InfrastructureDiagram.vue';
 import JourneyHud from './JourneyHud.vue';
-import OperationsStrip from './OperationsStrip.vue';
 import PortfolioSection from './PortfolioSection.vue';
 import ProjectCard from './ProjectCard.vue';
 import ProjectCaseStudy from './ProjectCaseStudy.vue';
@@ -18,10 +16,10 @@ import { useAdaptiveQuality } from '@/composables/useAdaptiveQuality';
 import { useAudioEngine } from '@/composables/useAudioEngine';
 import { useAudioIntent } from '@/composables/useAudioIntent';
 import { useJourneySections } from '@/composables/useJourneySections';
-import { useHeadlight } from '@/composables/useHeadlight';
 import { useKeyboardNavigation } from '@/composables/useKeyboardNavigation';
 import { useMotionPreferences } from '@/composables/useMotionPreferences';
 import { assetUrl } from '@/content/asset-url';
+import { signRouteFor } from '@/journey/sign-routes';
 import type { PortfolioContent, PublicAssetManifest, SectionId, SectionLayout } from '@/content/types';
 import type { SceneHostState } from '@/composables/useSceneController';
 import type { MotionPolicy } from '@/journey/motion-policy';
@@ -60,9 +58,16 @@ const sectionLabel = (id: SectionId): string => {
   return item.label;
 };
 
+/** One wayfinding vocabulary: chapter plates reuse the roadside sign markers. */
+const exitFor = (id: SectionId): string => signRouteFor(id).marker;
+const nextLabelFor = (id: SectionId): string | undefined => {
+  const index = canonicalSectionIds.indexOf(id);
+  const next = canonicalSectionIds[index + 1];
+  return next === undefined ? undefined : sectionLabel(next);
+};
+
 const canonicalNavigation = computed(() => canonicalSectionIds.map((id) => ({ id, label: sectionLabel(id) })));
 const motion = useMotionPreferences();
-useHeadlight(computed(() => motion.policy.value.allowSceneRequest));
 const navigation = useKeyboardNavigation(canonicalSectionIds);
 const journeyBinding = useJourneySections(
   canonicalSectionIds,
@@ -139,6 +144,18 @@ watch(
   (id) => navigation.notePassiveSection(id),
 );
 
+// Light the current chapter's plate once per arrival (attribute only, no per-frame work).
+watch(
+  () => [journey.value.activeSectionId, controlsReady.value] as const,
+  ([id, ready]) => {
+    if (!ready) return;
+    for (const section of document.querySelectorAll<HTMLElement>('#portfolio-content > section[id]')) {
+      section.toggleAttribute('data-current', section.id === id);
+    }
+  },
+  { flush: 'post' },
+);
+
 watch(
   () => motion.policy.value.maximumTier,
   (tier, previous) => {
@@ -215,11 +232,10 @@ onUnmounted(() => removePageListeners());
     :sample-frame="sampleSceneFrame"
     @state-change="updateSceneState"
   />
-  <BootSequence :allow-motion="motion.policy.value.allowSceneRequest" />
-  <OperationsStrip />
   <JourneyHud
     :journey="journey"
     :section-label="activeSectionLabel"
+    :exit="exitFor(journey.activeSectionId)"
   />
   <header class="site-header">
     <SiteNavigation
@@ -235,7 +251,7 @@ onUnmounted(() => removePageListeners());
       <main id="portfolio-content" class="portfolio-main" tabindex="-1">
         <HeroJourney :identity="content.identity" :allow-motion="motion.policy.value.allowSceneRequest && pageLifecycle === 'active'" @explore="navigation.onSectionLinkClick" @contact="navigation.onSectionLinkClick" />
 
-        <PortfolioSection id="profile" :layout="sectionLayouts.profile" :heading="sectionLabel('profile')">
+        <PortfolioSection id="profile" :exit="exitFor('profile')" :next-label="nextLabelFor('profile')" :layout="sectionLayouts.profile" :heading="sectionLabel('profile')">
           <p>{{ content.profile.introduction }}</p>
           <dl class="profile-facts">
             <template v-for="fact in content.profile.screeningFacts" :key="fact.label">
@@ -245,19 +261,21 @@ onUnmounted(() => removePageListeners());
           </dl>
         </PortfolioSection>
 
-        <PortfolioSection id="experience" :layout="sectionLayouts.experience" :heading="sectionLabel('experience')">
+        <PortfolioSection id="experience" :exit="exitFor('experience')" :next-label="nextLabelFor('experience')" :layout="sectionLayouts.experience" :heading="sectionLabel('experience')">
           <ExperienceTimeline :experience="content.experience" :systems-operations="content.systemsOperations" />
         </PortfolioSection>
 
-        <PortfolioSection id="infrastructure" :layout="sectionLayouts.infrastructure" :heading="sectionLabel('infrastructure')">
+        <PortfolioSection id="infrastructure" :exit="exitFor('infrastructure')" :next-label="nextLabelFor('infrastructure')" :layout="sectionLayouts.infrastructure" :heading="sectionLabel('infrastructure')">
           <InfrastructureDiagram :infrastructure="content.infrastructure" />
         </PortfolioSection>
 
-        <PortfolioSection id="selected-builds" :layout="sectionLayouts['selected-builds']" eyebrow="Selected work" :heading="sectionLabel('selected-builds')">
+        <PortfolioSection id="selected-builds" :exit="exitFor('selected-builds')" :next-label="nextLabelFor('selected-builds')" :layout="sectionLayouts['selected-builds']" eyebrow="Selected work" :heading="sectionLabel('selected-builds')">
           <template #lead>
             <ProjectCaseStudy
               v-if="content.projects.selected[0]"
               :project="content.projects.selected[0]"
+              :exit="exitFor('selected-builds')"
+              :index="0"
               priority="primary"
               :allow-automatic-video="motion.policy.value.allowAutomaticVideo"
             />
@@ -267,28 +285,32 @@ onUnmounted(() => removePageListeners());
               v-for="(project, index) in content.projects.selected.slice(1)"
               :key="project.id"
               :project="project"
+              :exit="exitFor('selected-builds')"
+              :index="index + 1"
               :priority="index === 0 ? 'primary' : 'supporting'"
               :allow-automatic-video="motion.policy.value.allowAutomaticVideo"
             />
           </div>
         </PortfolioSection>
 
-        <PortfolioSection id="additional-work" :layout="sectionLayouts['additional-work']" :heading="sectionLabel('additional-work')">
+        <PortfolioSection id="additional-work" :exit="exitFor('additional-work')" :next-label="nextLabelFor('additional-work')" :layout="sectionLayouts['additional-work']" :heading="sectionLabel('additional-work')">
           <div class="compact-projects">
             <ProjectCard
-              v-for="project in content.projects.additional"
+              v-for="(project, index) in content.projects.additional"
               :key="project.id"
               :project="project"
+              :exit="exitFor('additional-work')"
+              :index="index"
               :allow-automatic-video="motion.policy.value.allowAutomaticVideo"
             />
           </div>
         </PortfolioSection>
 
-        <PortfolioSection id="toolkit" :layout="sectionLayouts.toolkit" :heading="sectionLabel('toolkit')">
+        <PortfolioSection id="toolkit" :exit="exitFor('toolkit')" :next-label="nextLabelFor('toolkit')" :layout="sectionLayouts.toolkit" :heading="sectionLabel('toolkit')">
           <ToolkitGrid :groups="content.toolkit" />
         </PortfolioSection>
 
-        <PortfolioSection id="contact" :layout="sectionLayouts.contact" eyebrow="Destination" :heading="sectionLabel('contact')">
+        <PortfolioSection id="contact" :exit="exitFor('contact')" :next-label="nextLabelFor('contact')" :layout="sectionLayouts.contact" eyebrow="Destination" :heading="sectionLabel('contact')">
           <footer>
             <ContactDestination :contact="content.contact" />
           </footer>
diff --git a/src/components/BootSequence.vue b/src/components/BootSequence.vue
deleted file mode 100644
index df51f63..0000000
--- a/src/components/BootSequence.vue
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,64 +0,0 @@
-<script setup lang="ts">
-import { onMounted, onUnmounted, shallowRef, watch } from 'vue';
-
-const props = defineProps<{ allowMotion: boolean }>();
-
-const SEEN_KEY = 'portfolio.boot.seen';
-const LINES = [
-  'night-shift v1.0  bucharest  03:00',
-  'ingress ........ tls ok',
-  'identity ....... access boundaries enforced',
-  'nextcloud ...... migrated, rollback ready',
-  'backups ........ verified',
-  'all systems quiet. starting route.',
-] as const;
-
-const visible = shallowRef(false);
-const shown = shallowRef(0);
-const leaving = shallowRef(false);
-const timers: number[] = [];
-
-const finish = (): void => {
-  if (!visible.value || leaving.value) return;
-  leaving.value = true;
-  timers.push(window.setTimeout(() => { visible.value = false; }, 600));
-};
-
-const onKey = (): void => finish();
-
-let started = false;
-
-const start = (): void => {
-  if (started || !props.allowMotion || navigator.webdriver) return;
-  started = true;
-  let seen = false;
-  try { seen = window.sessionStorage.getItem(SEEN_KEY) === '1'; } catch { seen = false; }
-  if (seen) return;
-  try { window.sessionStorage.setItem(SEEN_KEY, '1'); } catch { /* optional */ }
-  visible.value = true;
-  LINES.forEach((_, index) => {
-    timers.push(window.setTimeout(() => { shown.value = index + 1; }, 260 + index * 280));
-  });
-  timers.push(window.setTimeout(finish, 260 + LINES.length * 280 + 500));
-  window.addEventListener('keydown', onKey, { once: true });
-};
-
-// The motion policy resolves in the parent's onMounted (after ours), so react to the prop.
-onMounted(() => {
-  watch(() => props.allowMotion, start, { immediate: true });
-});
-
-onUnmounted(() => {
-  timers.forEach((id) => window.clearTimeout(id));
-  window.removeEventListener('keydown', onKey);
-});
-</script>
-
-<template>
-  <div v-if="visible" class="boot-sequence" :data-leaving="leaving || undefined" aria-hidden="true" @click="finish">
-    <ol class="boot-sequence__log">
-      <li v-for="(line, index) in LINES.slice(0, shown)" :key="index">{{ line }}</li>
-    </ol>
-    <span class="boot-sequence__skip">click or press any key to skip</span>
-  </div>
-</template>
diff --git a/src/components/HeroJourney.vue b/src/components/HeroJourney.vue
index 7ad3692..1564375 100644
--- a/src/components/HeroJourney.vue
+++ b/src/components/HeroJourney.vue
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ const emit = defineEmits<{
 </script>
 
 <template>
-  <section id="start" class="hero-journey" data-layout="hero" aria-labelledby="start-heading">
+  <section id="start" class="hero-journey" data-layout="hero" data-exit="01" aria-labelledby="start-heading">
     <div class="hero-journey__content">
       <h1 id="start-heading" class="hero-name" tabindex="-1"><span class="hero-name__text">{{ identity.name }}</span><NameParticles :allow-motion="allowMotion" :name="identity.name" /></h1>
       <p class="hero-journey__role">{{ identity.role }}</p>
diff --git a/src/components/JourneyHud.vue b/src/components/JourneyHud.vue
index b6b1622..9baac44 100644
--- a/src/components/JourneyHud.vue
+++ b/src/components/JourneyHud.vue
@@ -1,17 +1,29 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed } from 'vue';
+import { computed, onMounted, onUnmounted, shallowRef } from 'vue';
 import type { JourneySnapshot } from '@/journey/types';
+import { bucharestClock } from '@/lib/operations';
 
 const props = defineProps<{
   journey: JourneySnapshot;
   sectionLabel: string;
+  exit?: string | undefined;
 }>();
 
 const routePercent = computed(() => `${Math.round(Math.min(1, Math.max(0, props.journey.routeProgress)) * 100)}%`);
+
+// The dash clock is decorative and CSS-generated, so SSR and hydrated text stay identical.
+const clock = shallowRef<string | undefined>(undefined);
+let timer = 0;
+onMounted(() => {
+  const tick = (): void => { clock.value = bucharestClock(new Date()); };
+  tick();
+  timer = window.setInterval(tick, 30_000);
+});
+onUnmounted(() => window.clearInterval(timer));
 </script>
 
 <template>
-  <aside class="journey-hud" aria-hidden="true">
+  <aside class="journey-hud" aria-hidden="true" :data-exit="exit" :data-clock="clock">
     <span class="journey-hud__route"><span>ROUTE</span> <strong>{{ routePercent }}</strong></span>
     <span class="journey-hud__section">{{ sectionLabel }}</span>
     <strong v-if="journey.arrived" class="journey-hud__arrival">ARRIVED</strong>
diff --git a/src/components/OperationsStrip.vue b/src/components/OperationsStrip.vue
deleted file mode 100644
index 18d1184..0000000
--- a/src/components/OperationsStrip.vue
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,34 +0,0 @@
-<script setup lang="ts">
-import { onMounted, onUnmounted, shallowRef } from 'vue';
-import { bucharestClock, uptimeSince } from '@/lib/operations';
-
-/** Start of the current hosting-admin role (content file: Trupa lui Răzuș, Aug 2025). */
-const SHIFT_START = new Date('2025-08-01T00:00:00Z');
-
-const clock = shallowRef('--:--');
-const shift = shallowRef('-- mo');
-let timer = 0;
-
-const tick = (): void => {
-  const now = new Date();
-  const { months, days } = uptimeSince(SHIFT_START, now);
-  clock.value = bucharestClock(now);
-  shift.value = `${months} mo ${days} d`;
-};
-
-onMounted(() => {
-  tick();
-  timer = window.setInterval(tick, 30_000);
-});
-onUnmounted(() => window.clearInterval(timer));
-</script>
-
-<template>
-  <!-- Purely decorative telemetry: all text is CSS-generated so the semantic document is unchanged. -->
-  <aside class="ops-strip" aria-hidden="true">
-    <span class="ops-strip__dot" />
-    <span class="ops-strip__item" data-label="Bucharest" :data-value="clock" />
-    <span class="ops-strip__sep" />
-    <span class="ops-strip__item" data-label="On shift" :data-value="shift" />
-  </aside>
-</template>
diff --git a/src/components/PortfolioSection.vue b/src/components/PortfolioSection.vue
index 1f1b5c4..a2f2fac 100644
--- a/src/components/PortfolioSection.vue
+++ b/src/components/PortfolioSection.vue
@@ -6,11 +6,15 @@ defineProps<{
   layout: Exclude<SectionLayout, 'hero'>;
   eyebrow?: string;
   heading: string;
+  /** Roadside sign marker, rendered as a decorative CSS exit plate. */
+  exit?: string | undefined;
+  /** Next chapter label for the plate's "then" line (decorative, CSS-generated). */
+  nextLabel?: string | undefined;
 }>();
 </script>
 
 <template>
-  <section :id="id" class="portfolio-section" :aria-labelledby="`${id}-heading`" :data-layout="layout">
+  <section :id="id" class="portfolio-section" :aria-labelledby="`${id}-heading`" :data-layout="layout" :data-exit="exit" :data-next="nextLabel">
     <div v-if="$slots.lead" class="project-stage__lead">
       <p v-if="eyebrow" class="section-eyebrow">{{ eyebrow }}</p>
       <h2 :id="`${id}-heading`" tabindex="-1">{{ heading }}</h2>
diff --git a/src/components/ProjectCard.vue b/src/components/ProjectCard.vue
index 7faf812..d60922d 100644
--- a/src/components/ProjectCard.vue
+++ b/src/components/ProjectCard.vue
@@ -1,9 +1,16 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
 import type { PublicProject } from '@/content/types';
+import { routePlate } from '@/lib/route-plate';
 import ProjectMediaGallery from './ProjectMediaGallery.vue';
 
-withDefaults(defineProps<{ project: Readonly<PublicProject>; allowAutomaticVideo?: boolean }>(), {
+withDefaults(defineProps<{
+  project: Readonly<PublicProject>;
+  allowAutomaticVideo?: boolean;
+  exit?: string | undefined;
+  index?: number;
+}>(), {
   allowAutomaticVideo: false,
+  index: 0,
 });
 </script>
 
@@ -13,6 +20,7 @@ withDefaults(defineProps<{ project: Readonly<PublicProject>; allowAutomaticVideo
     :data-project-id="project.id"
     :data-maturity="project.maturity"
     :data-media-layout="project.mediaLayout ?? 'none'"
+    :data-plate="routePlate(exit, index, project)"
   >
     <h3>{{ project.title }}</h3>
     <p>{{ project.summary }}</p>
diff --git a/src/components/ProjectCaseStudy.vue b/src/components/ProjectCaseStudy.vue
index b670b6d..82f7996 100644
--- a/src/components/ProjectCaseStudy.vue
+++ b/src/components/ProjectCaseStudy.vue
@@ -1,14 +1,18 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
 import type { PublicProject } from '@/content/types';
+import { routePlate } from '@/lib/route-plate';
 import ProjectMediaGallery from './ProjectMediaGallery.vue';
 
 withDefaults(defineProps<{
   project: Readonly<PublicProject>;
   priority?: 'primary' | 'supporting';
   allowAutomaticVideo?: boolean;
+  exit?: string | undefined;
+  index?: number;
 }>(), {
   priority: 'supporting',
   allowAutomaticVideo: false,
+  index: 0,
 });
 </script>
 
@@ -19,7 +23,7 @@ withDefaults(defineProps<{
     :data-project-priority="priority"
     :data-media-layout="project.mediaLayout ?? 'none'"
   >
-    <header class="project-case-study__header">
+    <header class="project-case-study__header" :data-plate="routePlate(exit, index, project)">
       <h3>{{ project.title }}</h3>
       <p>{{ project.summary }}</p>
     </header>
diff --git a/src/composables/useHeadlight.ts b/src/composables/useHeadlight.ts
deleted file mode 100644
index 97ffd8b..0000000
--- a/src/composables/useHeadlight.ts
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,56 +0,0 @@
-import { onMounted, onUnmounted, watch, type Ref } from 'vue';
-
-const SURFACES = '.project-case-study, .project-card, .contact-destination, .infrastructure-flow-figure';
-
-/**
- * Pointer light for fine pointers only. Writes `--hx/--hy` (px) on the root for the
- * headlight beam and `--mx/--my` (%) on the hovered surface for its spotlight.
- */
-export function useHeadlight(enabled: Ref<boolean>): void {
-  let frame = 0;
-  let pending: PointerEvent | undefined;
-  let active = false;
-
-  const flush = (): void => {
-    frame = 0;
-    const event = pending;
-    pending = undefined;
-    if (event === undefined) return;
-    const root = document.documentElement;
-    root.style.setProperty('--hx', `${event.clientX}px`);
-    root.style.setProperty('--hy', `${event.clientY}px`);
-    const surface = (event.target as Element | null)?.closest<HTMLElement>(SURFACES);
-    if (surface !== null && surface !== undefined) {
-      const box = surface.getBoundingClientRect();
-      surface.style.setProperty('--mx', `${((event.clientX - box.left) / box.width) * 100}%`);
-      surface.style.setProperty('--my', `${((event.clientY - box.top) / box.height) * 100}%`);
-    }
-  };
-
-  const onMove = (event: PointerEvent): void => {
-    if (!enabled.value || event.pointerType === 'touch') return;
-    if (!active) {
-      active = true;
-      document.documentElement.dataset.headlight = 'on';
-    }
-    pending = event;
-    if (frame === 0) frame = requestAnimationFrame(flush);
-  };
-
-  watch(enabled, (value) => {
-    if (value) return;
-    active = false;
-    delete document.documentElement.dataset.headlight;
-  });
-
-  onMounted(() => {
-    if (!window.matchMedia('(pointer: fine)').matches) return;
-    window.addEventListener('pointermove', onMove, { passive: true });
-  });
-
-  onUnmounted(() => {
-    window.removeEventListener('pointermove', onMove);
-    if (frame !== 0) cancelAnimationFrame(frame);
-    delete document.documentElement.dataset.headlight;
-  });
-}
diff --git a/src/lib/operations.ts b/src/lib/operations.ts
index 6535f97..3ccd6f9 100644
--- a/src/lib/operations.ts
+++ b/src/lib/operations.ts
@@ -1,31 +1,3 @@
-export interface Uptime {
-  readonly months: number;
-  readonly days: number;
-}
-
-/** Whole calendar months plus remaining days since `start`, clamped to zero. */
-export function uptimeSince(start: Date, now: Date): Uptime {
-  if (now.getTime() <= start.getTime()) return { months: 0, days: 0 };
-  let months = (now.getUTCFullYear() - start.getUTCFullYear()) * 12 + (now.getUTCMonth() - start.getUTCMonth());
-  let anchor = addMonths(start, months);
-  if (anchor.getTime() > now.getTime()) {
-    months -= 1;
-    anchor = addMonths(start, months);
-  }
-  const days = Math.floor((now.getTime() - anchor.getTime()) / 86_400_000);
-  return { months, days };
-}
-
-function addMonths(date: Date, months: number): Date {
-  return new Date(Date.UTC(
-    date.getUTCFullYear(),
-    date.getUTCMonth() + months,
-    date.getUTCDate(),
-    date.getUTCHours(),
-    date.getUTCMinutes(),
-  ));
-}
-
 const clockFormat = new Intl.DateTimeFormat('en-GB', {
   hour: '2-digit',
   minute: '2-digit',
@@ -33,6 +5,7 @@ const clockFormat = new Intl.DateTimeFormat('en-GB', {
   timeZone: 'Europe/Bucharest',
 });
 
+/** Local Bucharest time as HH:MM (24h), for the decorative dash clock. */
 export function bucharestClock(now: Date): string {
   return clockFormat.format(now);
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/route-plate.ts b/src/lib/route-plate.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4e7a594
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/route-plate.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+import type { PublicProject } from '@/content/types';
+
+/**
+ * Decorative registration plate for a project, e.g. "05.1 / PRIVATE / ACTIVE".
+ * Built only from real content fields; rendered through CSS generated content.
+ */
+export function routePlate(
+  exit: string | undefined,
+  index: number,
+  project: Pick<PublicProject, 'visibility' | 'maturity'>,
+): string {
+  const code = exit === undefined ? `${index + 1}` : `${exit}.${index + 1}`;
+  const maturity = project.maturity.replace(/-/gu, ' ');
+  return `${code} / ${project.visibility} / ${maturity}`.toUpperCase();
+}
diff --git a/src/styles/nightshift.css b/src/styles/nightshift.css
deleted file mode 100644
index b748916..0000000
--- a/src/styles/nightshift.css
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,184 +0,0 @@
-/* Night Shift: cinematic layer on top of the night-drive world. Imported last. */
-
-:root {
-  --ns-grain: url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='160' height='160'><filter id='n'><feTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='.9' numOctaves='2' stitchTiles='stitch'/></filter><rect width='100%' height='100%' filter='url(%23n)' opacity='.55'/></svg>");
-}
-
-/* Film stock: grain + vignette above the world, below the UI. */
-body::after {
-  content: '';
-  position: fixed;
-  inset: 0;
-  z-index: var(--z-atmosphere);
-  pointer-events: none;
-  background:
-    radial-gradient(120% 90% at 50% 45%, transparent 55%, rgb(2 4 12 / 55%) 100%),
-    var(--ns-grain);
-  background-size: auto, 160px 160px;
-  mix-blend-mode: soft-light;
-  opacity: 0.5;
-}
-
-/* Operations strip */
-.ops-strip {
-  position: fixed;
-  inset-block-end: 22px;
-  inset-inline: 0;
-  margin-inline: auto;
-  width: max-content;
-  max-width: calc(100vw - 32px);
-  z-index: var(--z-hud);
-  display: none;
-  align-items: center;
-  gap: 0.7rem;
-  padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
-  border: var(--panel-border);
-  border-radius: 999px;
-  background: var(--surface);
-  color: var(--text-muted);
-  font: 500 0.72rem/1 var(--mono);
-  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
-  text-transform: uppercase;
-  pointer-events: none;
-}
-.ops-strip__item::before { content: attr(data-label) ' '; }
-.ops-strip__item::after { content: attr(data-value); color: var(--text); font-weight: 600; }
-.ops-strip__sep { opacity: 0.4; }
-.ops-strip__sep::before { content: '/'; }
-.ops-strip__dot {
-  width: 7px;
-  height: 7px;
-  border-radius: 50%;
-  background: #6ee7a8;
-  box-shadow: 0 0 10px #6ee7a8;
-}
-@media (min-width: 1100px) {
-  .ops-strip { display: inline-flex; }
-}
-@media (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference) {
-  .ops-strip__dot { animation: ns-pulse 2.4s ease-in-out infinite; }
-}
-@keyframes ns-pulse { 50% { opacity: 0.35; } }
-
-/* Boot sequence */
-.boot-sequence {
-  position: fixed;
-  inset: 0;
-  z-index: 100;
-  display: grid;
-  align-content: center;
-  justify-items: start;
-  gap: 2rem;
-  padding: clamp(1.5rem, 8vw, 8rem);
-  background: #02040c;
-  color: var(--accent);
-  font: 500 clamp(0.8rem, 0.7rem + 0.5vw, 1.05rem)/1.8 var(--mono);
-  cursor: pointer;
-  transition: opacity 600ms ease, filter 600ms ease;
-}
-.boot-sequence[data-leaving] { opacity: 0; filter: blur(6px); pointer-events: none; }
-.boot-sequence__log { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
-.boot-sequence__log li::before { content: '> '; color: var(--world-magenta); }
-.boot-sequence__log li:last-child::after {
-  content: '_';
-  margin-inline-start: 0.2em;
-  animation: ns-blink 700ms steps(1) infinite;
-}
-.boot-sequence__skip { color: var(--text-muted); font-size: 0.75rem; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-transform: uppercase; }
-@keyframes ns-blink { 50% { opacity: 0; } }
-
-/* Headlight: soft beam that follows a fine pointer. */
-html[data-headlight='on'] .reading-viewport::before {
-  content: '';
-  position: fixed;
-  inset: 0;
-  z-index: -1;
-  pointer-events: none;
-  background: radial-gradient(420px circle at var(--hx, 50%) var(--hy, 50%), rgb(255 214 147 / 10%), transparent 70%);
-  mix-blend-mode: screen;
-}
-
-/* Spotlight borders on interactive surfaces. */
-.project-case-study,
-.project-card,
-.contact-destination,
-.infrastructure-flow-figure {
-  position: relative;
-  isolation: isolate;
-}
-html[data-headlight='on'] :is(.project-case-study, .project-card, .contact-destination, .infrastructure-flow-figure)::after {
-  content: '';
-  position: absolute;
-  inset: 0;
-  z-index: -1;
-  border-radius: inherit;
-  pointer-events: none;
-  background: radial-gradient(320px circle at var(--mx, 50%) var(--my, 50%), rgb(120 216 229 / 14%), transparent 65%);
-  opacity: 0;
-  transition: opacity 240ms ease;
-}
-html[data-headlight='on'] :is(.project-case-study, .project-card, .contact-destination, .infrastructure-flow-figure):hover::after {
-  opacity: 1;
-}
-
-/* Chapter numerals: outlined, drifting section numbers. */
-.reading-stage { counter-reset: chapter; }
-.portfolio-section > h2,
-.project-stage__lead > h2 { position: relative; }
-.portfolio-section { counter-increment: chapter; }
-.portfolio-section > h2::before,
-.project-stage__lead > h2::before {
-  content: '0' counter(chapter) / '';
-  position: absolute;
-  inset-block-start: 50%;
-  inset-inline-end: 0;
-  translate: 0 -50%;
-  font: 700 var(--step-4)/0.85 var(--mono);
-  letter-spacing: -0.04em;
-  color: transparent;
-  -webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgb(120 216 229 / 38%);
-  pointer-events: none;
-  user-select: none;
-}
-@media (max-width: 720px) {
-  .portfolio-section > h2::before,
-  .project-stage__lead > h2::before { font-size: var(--step-3); }
-}
-@media (forced-colors: active) {
-  .portfolio-section > h2::before,
-  .project-stage__lead > h2::before,
-  body::after,
-  .reading-viewport::before,
-  :is(.project-case-study, .project-card, .contact-destination, .infrastructure-flow-figure)::after { display: none !important; }
-}
-
-/* Kinetic type + scroll-linked reveals (progressive enhancement). */
-@media (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference) {
-  .hero-name__text {
-    font-variation-settings: 'wght' 800;
-    transition: font-variation-settings 400ms ease, letter-spacing 400ms ease;
-  }
-  .hero-name:hover .hero-name__text {
-    font-variation-settings: 'wght' 520;
-    letter-spacing: 0.02em;
-  }
-  @supports (animation-timeline: view()) {
-    .reading-stage:not([data-reading-stage='live']) .project-card {
-      animation: ns-rise linear both;
-      animation-timeline: view();
-      animation-range: entry 0% entry 40%;
-    }
-  }
-}
-@keyframes ns-rise {
-  from { transform: translateY(28px); }
-  to { transform: none; }
-}
-
-@media print {
-  body::after, .ops-strip, .boot-sequence { display: none !important; }
-  .portfolio-section > h2::before,
-  .project-stage__lead > h2::before,
-  .reading-viewport::before,
-  :is(.project-case-study, .project-card, .contact-destination, .infrastructure-flow-figure)::after { display: none !important; }
-}
diff --git a/src/styles/wayfinding.css b/src/styles/wayfinding.css
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..16f20b7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/styles/wayfinding.css
@@ -0,0 +1,240 @@
+/* Wayfinding: one sign language for the route. The roadside signs, chapter
+   plates, navigation, dash cluster and project plates share the same exit
+   numbers (from src/journey/sign-routes.ts) and the chapter accent colours.
+   Every label here is CSS generated content with empty alt text, so the
+   semantic document is identical with and without JavaScript. Imported last. */
+
+:root {
+  --exit-ink: #160b22;
+  --exit-chamfer: polygon(5px 0, calc(100% - 5px) 0, 100% 5px, 100% 100%, 0 100%, 0 5px);
+}
+
+/* Static vignette above the world, below the UI. Plain alpha, no blend mode,
+   so the compositor never re-blends it against the animating canvas. */
+body::after {
+  content: '';
+  position: fixed;
+  inset: 0;
+  z-index: var(--z-atmosphere);
+  pointer-events: none;
+  background: radial-gradient(130% 95% at 50% 42%, transparent 58%, rgb(8 3 18 / 42%) 100%);
+}
+
+/* The hero scrim used to end in a hard edge that read as a dark band while
+   scrolling away from the hero. Feather its bottom with a static mask. */
+.hero-journey::before {
+  mask-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, #000 72%, transparent);
+}
+
+/* ---------- Chapter exit plates ---------- */
+.portfolio-section[data-exit] {
+  position: relative;
+}
+
+/* The exit tab sits on the panel's top edge, like the tab on a motorway sign. */
+.portfolio-section[data-exit]::before {
+  content: 'EXIT ' attr(data-exit) / '';
+  position: absolute;
+  z-index: 1;
+  inset-block-start: 0;
+  inset-inline-start: clamp(1.1rem, 4vw, 3.2rem);
+  translate: 0 -50%;
+  padding: 0.42rem 0.7rem 0.38rem;
+  clip-path: var(--exit-chamfer);
+  background: var(--chapter-accent, var(--accent));
+  color: var(--exit-ink);
+  font: 720 0.7rem/1 var(--mono);
+  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
+  pointer-events: none;
+}
+
+/* "Then" line: the next exit, as on a real gantry. */
+.portfolio-section[data-exit]::after {
+  content: 'THEN \2192  ' attr(data-next) / '';
+  position: absolute;
+  inset-block-start: 0;
+  inset-inline-end: clamp(1.1rem, 4vw, 3.2rem);
+  translate: 0 -50%;
+  padding: 0.38rem 0.6rem;
+  border: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--chapter-accent, var(--accent)) 42%, transparent);
+  border-radius: 3px;
+  background: var(--surface-strong);
+  color: var(--text-muted);
+  font: 560 0.64rem/1 var(--mono);
+  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  white-space: pre;
+  pointer-events: none;
+}
+.portfolio-section[data-exit='08']::after {
+  content: 'END OF ROUTE' / '';
+}
+
+/* The hero is the on-ramp. */
+.hero-journey__content::before {
+  content: 'EXIT 01  \00b7  ON-RAMP  \00b7  BUCHAREST' / '';
+  display: block;
+  inline-size: fit-content;
+  justify-self: start;
+  align-self: start;
+  margin-block-end: clamp(0.8rem, 2vh, 1.4rem);
+  padding: 0.42rem 0.7rem 0.38rem;
+  clip-path: var(--exit-chamfer);
+  background: var(--rose, var(--accent));
+  color: var(--exit-ink);
+  font: 720 0.68rem/1 var(--mono);
+  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
+  white-space: pre;
+}
+
+/* ---------- Navigation: the overhead gantry carries the same numbers ---------- */
+.site-navigation ul {
+  counter-reset: exit;
+}
+.site-navigation li {
+  counter-increment: exit;
+}
+@media (min-width: 1100px) {
+  .site-navigation a::before {
+    content: counter(exit, decimal-leading-zero) / '';
+    margin-inline-end: 0.55em;
+    color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--nav-accent, var(--accent)) 70%, var(--text-muted));
+    font: 600 0.66em/1 var(--mono);
+    letter-spacing: 0.06em;
+    opacity: 0.8;
+  }
+  .site-navigation a[aria-current='page']::before {
+    opacity: 1;
+  }
+}
+
+/* ---------- Dash cluster: exit, chapter, route and local time in one unit ---------- */
+.journey-hud[data-exit]::before {
+  content: 'EXIT ' attr(data-exit) / '';
+  padding: 0.3rem 0.45rem 0.26rem;
+  clip-path: var(--exit-chamfer);
+  background: var(--rose, var(--accent));
+  color: var(--exit-ink);
+  flex: none;
+  white-space: pre;
+  font: 720 0.62rem/1 var(--mono);
+  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
+}
+.journey-hud[data-exit='03']::before,
+.journey-hud[data-exit='07']::before { background: var(--violet, var(--accent)); }
+.journey-hud[data-exit='04']::before { background: var(--accent); }
+.journey-hud[data-exit='05']::before,
+.journey-hud[data-exit='08']::before { background: var(--coral, var(--amber)); }
+.journey-hud[data-clock]::after {
+  content: attr(data-clock) ' BUC' / '';
+  padding-inline-start: 0.72rem;
+  border-inline-start: 1px solid rgb(126 220 232 / 22%);
+  color: var(--text-muted);
+  font-size: 0.66rem;
+  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
+}
+@media (max-width: 767px) {
+  .journey-hud[data-clock]::after { display: none; }
+}
+
+/* ---------- Project registration plates ---------- */
+.project-case-study__header[data-plate]::before,
+.project-card[data-plate]::before {
+  content: attr(data-plate) / '';
+  display: block;
+  inline-size: max-content;
+  max-inline-size: 100%;
+  margin-block-end: 0.85rem;
+  padding: 0.34rem 0.6rem 0.3rem;
+  border: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--chapter-accent, var(--accent)) 55%, transparent);
+  border-radius: 3px;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--chapter-accent, var(--accent)) 72%, var(--text));
+  font: 650 0.64rem/1.2 var(--mono);
+  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
+}
+
+/* Case-study evidence reads as a route log: lettered stops. */
+.project-evidence {
+  counter-reset: stop;
+}
+.project-evidence > div {
+  counter-increment: stop;
+}
+.project-evidence dt::before {
+  content: counter(stop, upper-alpha) / '';
+  display: inline-grid;
+  place-items: center;
+  inline-size: 1.45em;
+  block-size: 1.45em;
+  margin-inline-end: 0.6em;
+  border: 1px solid currentColor;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  font: 700 0.78em/1 var(--mono);
+  vertical-align: 0.08em;
+}
+
+/* ---------- Arrival: the current chapter's plate strikes on, once ---------- */
+.portfolio-section[data-current]::before {
+  box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, var(--chapter-accent, var(--accent)) 60%, transparent);
+}
+@media (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference) {
+  .portfolio-section[data-current]::before {
+    animation: exit-strike 1.1s steps(1, end) both;
+  }
+  .portfolio-section[data-current] {
+    animation: exit-panel-light 1.6s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.75, 0.2, 1) both;
+  }
+  @supports (animation-timeline: view()) {
+    .reading-stage:not([data-reading-stage='live']) .project-card {
+      animation: wf-rise linear both;
+      animation-timeline: view();
+      animation-range: entry 0% entry 40%;
+    }
+  }
+}
+/* A neon tube catching: two short flickers, then steady. */
+@keyframes exit-strike {
+  0% { opacity: 0.25; }
+  12% { opacity: 1; }
+  18% { opacity: 0.35; }
+  30% { opacity: 1; }
+  36% { opacity: 0.55; }
+  48%, 100% { opacity: 1; }
+}
+@keyframes exit-panel-light {
+  0% { border-top-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--chapter-accent, var(--accent)) 95%, transparent); }
+  100% { border-top-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--chapter-accent, var(--accent)) 28%, transparent); }
+}
+@keyframes wf-rise {
+  from { transform: translateY(28px); }
+  to { transform: none; }
+}
+
+/* ---------- Narrow screens ---------- */
+@media (max-width: 520px) {
+  .portfolio-section[data-exit]::after,
+  .journey-hud[data-exit]::before { display: none; }
+  .hero-journey__content::before { content: 'EXIT 01  \00b7  ON-RAMP' / ''; }
+}
+
+/* ---------- Forced colours and print ---------- */
+@media (forced-colors: active) {
+  body::after { display: none !important; }
+  .portfolio-section[data-exit]::before,
+  .hero-journey__content::before,
+  .journey-hud[data-exit]::before {
+    forced-color-adjust: none;
+    background: Canvas;
+    color: CanvasText;
+    border: 1px solid CanvasText;
+    clip-path: none;
+  }
+}
+@media print {
+  body::after,
+  .portfolio-section[data-exit]::before,
+  .portfolio-section[data-exit]::after,
+  .hero-journey__content::before,
+  .project-case-study__header[data-plate]::before,
+  .project-card[data-plate]::before { display: none !important; }
+}
diff --git a/tests/unit/operations.test.ts b/tests/unit/operations.test.ts
index da12d5d..032badb 100644
--- a/tests/unit/operations.test.ts
+++ b/tests/unit/operations.test.ts
@@ -1,21 +1,11 @@
 import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest';
-import { bucharestClock, uptimeSince } from '@/lib/operations';
-
-describe('uptimeSince', () => {
-  const start = new Date('2025-08-01T00:00:00Z');
-  it('is zero at the start', () => {
-    expect(uptimeSince(start, start)).toEqual({ months: 0, days: 0 });
-  });
-  it('counts whole months and remaining days', () => {
-    expect(uptimeSince(start, new Date('2026-10-10T00:00:00Z'))).toEqual({ months: 14, days: 9 });
-  });
-  it('clamps to zero before the start', () => {
-    expect(uptimeSince(start, new Date('2025-01-01T00:00:00Z'))).toEqual({ months: 0, days: 0 });
-  });
-});
+import { bucharestClock } from '@/lib/operations';
 
 describe('bucharestClock', () => {
   it('formats HH:MM in Europe/Bucharest', () => {
     expect(bucharestClock(new Date('2026-01-15T10:05:00Z'))).toBe('12:05');
   });
+  it('follows daylight saving time', () => {
+    expect(bucharestClock(new Date('2026-07-15T10:05:00Z'))).toBe('13:05');
+  });
 });
diff --git a/tests/unit/route-plate.test.ts b/tests/unit/route-plate.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..604645e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/unit/route-plate.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest';
+import { routePlate } from '@/lib/route-plate';
+
+describe('routePlate', () => {
+  it('combines the chapter exit, position and real project fields', () => {
+    expect(routePlate('05', 0, { visibility: 'private', maturity: 'active' })).toBe('05.1 / PRIVATE / ACTIVE');
+  });
+  it('spells multi-word maturity values without hyphens', () => {
+    expect(routePlate('06', 2, { visibility: 'public', maturity: 'work-in-progress' })).toBe('06.3 / PUBLIC / WORK IN PROGRESS');
+  });
+  it('falls back to the position when no exit is known', () => {
+    expect(routePlate(undefined, 1, { visibility: 'public', maturity: 'learning' })).toBe('2 / PUBLIC / LEARNING');
+  });
+});