Chapter 13 Signage

Question 1

Signage Systems

Answer 1

design includes planning required sign types, locations, design/detailing custom signs, specifying standard manufactured signs

Question 2

Signage design actually begins with space planning/interior design

Answer 2

• Space planning, circulation path layout, entry/exit locations, visual reference points all critical to wayfinding/signage system
• No amount of signage can completely overcome poorly planned layout
• Spatial form, colors, finishes, furnishings, etc. can provide reference points assisting people with orienting themselves within building
• After developing organized space plan, next step is to determine required signs & their locations

Question 3

Four categories of interior signs

Answer 3

• Informational: signs providing data about building/space – directories, location maps
• Directional: help people find way around building/space – arrows, directional labels
• Identification: label individual rooms/spaces/components – room names/numbers, accessible facilities locations
• Exit: system for identifying life-safety features – stairway, fire extinguisher, fire telephone locations, elevator lobby instructional signs

Question 4

Plastics

Answer 4

One of most common signage materials; durable, easy to fabricate, inexpensive, easy to form, almost unlimited colors, styles.

Acrylic, polycarbonate, butyrate, fiber-reinforced polyester (fiberglass) most common types

Question 5

Metals

Answer 5

Aluminum most commonly used metal, due to lightness, corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication, strength

Can be used as thin sheets, cut letters, negative cutouts
Stainless steel also used, fabrication similar to aluminum

Brass & bronze often used for individual cut letters, plaques

Question 6

Adhesive Films

Answer 6

Thin plastic/vinyl letters & symbols with adhesive backing; usually die cut on removable backing

Removable and permanent adhesive available

Question 7

Photographic Films

Answer 7

Produced by exposing artwork to light-sensitive film, producing positive or negative image; used for high quality reproduction/enlargement

Negatives used for internally illuminated signs; clear outer covering, translucent inner layer used to protect film

Positives printed to paper require backing

Question 8

Electronic Signage

Answer 8

Frequently used for informational signage; touchscreens used to allow people to access menu-driven displays to find needed information.

Easily changed as required

Question 9

Illuminated Signs

Answer 9

Used where ambient lighting insufficient to provide clear sign visibility

Can be lit internally or externally
Commonly letters cut out of sheet, with lighting behind sheet; cutouts filled with colored/translucent material

Fluorescent lamps commonly used due to even light, low heat

In order to achieve even illumination, refer to fig. 13.6 for recommended distance between light & sign face

Must be ventilated, allow for easy relamping
Externally illuminated signs often have truer color rendition, easier to fabricate/maintain

Externally lit signs should have dedicated light source; careful attention to glare avoidance critical

Question 10

Directional Signs

Answer 10

Design should be planned to accommodate variety of signs required

Required at entrance to building/use area, elevator lobbies, stairs, and at decision points in circulation system

Several may be required at each location

Question 11

Identification Signs

Answer 11

Must be placed on/near room/object they identify

Consistent locations recommended, r

Signs identifying open areas/counters may need to be suspended

Identification signage usually combination of permanent and temporary signage

May require varied amounts of information on different signs

Question 12

Exit Signs

Answer 12

Requirements for exit signs are determined by code; however, designers do have some choice of mounting styles & finishes

Exit signs may be ceiling or wall mounted, as long as location satisfies code and provides sufficient headroom clearance

Question 13

Although a signage system may be developed by signage company/graphic designers, interior designer/architect must coordinate design/construction system with signage needs

Answer 13

During space planning, keep circulation paths, room layouts direct as possible to minimize reliance on directional signs

Include identifiable landmarks to assist people with wayfinding

Partitions should be thick enough when necessary to accommodate recessed directories or other large signs

Wood blocking must be provided at metal stud walls to facilitate large/heavy signs; bracing may be required at ceiling for suspended signs
Coordination with HVAC, fixtures, furnishings, etc. to prevent interference with sign visibility

Extra space in front of sign should be provided when tactile maps for blind are used

Light switches, thermostats, other wall-mounted equipment should be planned to avoid signage interference

Partition finishes should be specified that allow for signage mounting

Power supply needs should be coordinated with electrical engineer

Lighting should be coordinated to avoid glare on signs, while providing sufficient visibility