Making Sense of Interior Signage;Interior Signage for the Commercial and Healthcare Environments
Life is in the details.
So is a successful interior environment. One detail that is often an after thought is interior signage. Yet it is this detail that can enhance or hurt an experience for your patron or customer.
Here are some helpful planning tips to get you started that will provide not only a functional way finding environment but one that is aesthetically pleasing as well.
Where do I need signage?
Below is a list of some basic Interior Signage and locations
Directories- look for a product that is available in a full range of lens configurations as well as one that can accommodate a printed insert enabling the system to be updated as necessary
Locations:
- Lobbies
- Elevator exits
- Stairwell exits
Floor Directional- Look at products that have inserts that can be updated easily.
Locations:
- Corridor intersections
- Elevator exits
- Stairwell exits
Overheads-
Types: wall mount, flush ceiling mount, or suspended
Locations:
- Lobbies
- Corridors
- High traffic areas impeding visibility of wall signage
Evacuation Maps- Make sure the signage is in accordance with local code. Maps need to have a changeable insert.
Locations:
- Elevator exits
- Stairwell exits
- Hotel Rooms
- Classrooms
Conference Rooms
Locations:
- Conference rooms
- Meeting rooms
Office/Suite/Room Identification- Check ADA guidelines and Braille capabilities. Look for non-glare and clean flush appearances.
Locations:
- Offices
- Hospital/Assisted Living/
Patient Rooms - Hotel Rooms
- K-12 and University classrooms
- Other areas where signage must accommodate change.
Misc. room Identification- Look for ADA complaint and Braille requirements. May want multiple lines of text option.
Locations:
- Restrooms
- Stairwells
- Any secondary (non-office) room
- Common Areas
Workstation Nameplates- Look for inserts that can easily be updated. Various mounting option may include tape, pin, magnet, Velcro and under-cap attachment.
Locations:
- Workstations
- Open office environments
Flag Mounts- Flag mounts are double sided and typically oriented horizontally, however, they may be mounted vertically as well. Both orientations are perpendicular to the wall.
Locations:
- Lobbies
- Vestibules
- Corridors
- High traffic areas impeding visibility of wall signage
- Restrooms
Interior Stairwells- Fire and building code typically requires that stairwells in buildings of three floors or more identify the floor and exit point. Raised text and Braille are not required.
Locations:
- Interior stairwells
Does my business need ADA compliant signage? If so what are the ADA regulations for signage?
Take Form- a commercial architectural interior signage company does a wonderful job explaining ADA compliance requirements in this PDF. It is simple and easy to understand.
ADA Compliant Interior Signage Regulations
Ready to get started? Consider this information when choosing an interior signage provider and planning your environment .
1.Be able to provide basic facts about the project
- Your name, title and contact information
- Company & address
- What kind of project is it (hospital, residence hall, corporate office, etc)?
- What is the stage of the project (planning & design, construction, etc)?
- Have interior finishes been selected? If yes, describe
- Occupancy date
- What is the project size (signage budget, number of signs, overall project budget, square footage, etc)
- Have sign types, quantities and locations been determined? If no do you need someone to perform these programming functions?
- Will the signs be purchased on GSA, state or other contract?
- Please supply a floor plan in .dxf or .dwg format if possible. Supply room #’s and or room names.
- Floor plans need to indicate fire extinguisher stations and fire alarm pulls down.
2. Design concerns
- Select materials to be used, colors and finishes.
- Note that some non standard finishes my result in longer lead times.
- Talk to your signage representatives about what materials and styles would best suite your environment.
- If LEED credit points are needed check with manufacturer for sustainable signage products that will work in your environment.
3. Way finding and Programming
- Understand the level of way finding required.
- Identify every location with a role in the signage network (type of sign).
- Consider position and viewing distance.
- Designate sign types, message copy and content.
- Address all ADA and life/safety compliance issues.
4. Quotation and Approvals- Look for a company that will supply you a detailed quotation with the following information.
- Rendering of the signs
- Location plan
- Message schedule
- Installation details
- Cleaning and Maintenance information
- Printed Insert Templates where needed
- Reorder information for future needs
5. Installation- Make sure you have qualified, certified licensed installers that will correctly install your signage needs. Federal and Local codes must be met to insure a clearance from local and federal agencies for occupancy.
Below is a list of some interior signage companies that are leaders in the industry.
You can also contact me for more information.
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How many times in the many buildings I’ve worked in have I laborously created a list of places for signs. When we moved into our new building, this article would have been a time saver and our signage more efficiently placed.
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