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Architectural
Signage
From cave paintings to digital outputs, human beings have always depended on 'signs' as a primary method of non-verbal or visual communication. While the words signs & signage are both very broad & generic, the term architectural signage is generally much more narrowly defined. Within the field of environmental graphic communications, architectural signage generally describes signs designed for use in the built environment, primarily as this relates to residential or commercial dwellings (as opposed to streetscape, highway & transportation signs; advertising billboards; etc.).
Using text, symbols or a combination of both, architectural signage is intended to help meet the information needs of residents, tenants, staff or visitors either while they are within a building or on its property. In determining the signage needs for a facility, consideration should be given to the following primary categories or types of interior and exterior signage:
Interior Signage
- Information - includes signs used to distribute general information about where & what things are such as company, department & staff names, directories, notices, regulations, etc.
- Identification - includes signs that identify something or someone such as the location of a room, a particular person, area or some other entity.
- Direction - includes signs which advise which direction to follow to reach a particular location.
- Safety & Security - includes signs advising what to do or not do such as action to take in case of an emergency or what not do while in the building or on the premises.
Exterior Signage
- Identification - includes signs which advise the name of the building, or the name of the building owner or principal tenant(s).
- Direction - includes signs which advise which direction to follow to reach a particular location.
- Traffic Control - includes signs used to direct & control the flow of traffic such as parking locations & restrictions, speed limits, entrance & exit information, etc.
Interior + Exterior Signage = A Wayfinding System
The combination of the interior & exterior signs specified for a building
represents what is called a 'wayfinding system'. The importance or value
of a good wayfinding system is that it helps all facility users, be they
permanent staff, residents or visitors, by saving valuable time, reducing
stress & encouraging self-reliance. It also enhances building & personnel
security.
By applying the known information about a building project, either new or existing, to a wayfinding checklist, sign requirements & unique characteristics can be easily identified. Additional requirements that may be unique to the facility, such as coordinating finishes with architectural design, graphic design layouts, etc. can also be identified & addressed.
Wm. Whiteley Limited
Whether you are planning a new wayfinding system or perhaps looking to
add to or update an existing system, whatever you situation - whether
your project is large or small, whether you yourself are expert or novice
- we are happy to help you to assess your requirements & to find the appropriate
product to meet your needs in terms of functionality, quality, legibility
& esthetics.
To consider the possibilities for changeable sign products see Switch, Tablet and Magpi and Information Display Systems wayfinding and sign systems or download our wayfinding Product Catalogue.
Contact us today:
Tel: 519.428.5385
Fax: 519.428.5286
Toll Free: 1.866.666.5385
Tel: 519.428.5385 ~ Fax: 519.428.5286 ~ Toll Free: 1.866.666.5385