“Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself.”

—Rita Mae Brown

 

As architectural styles have changed to accommodate the realities of the computer age, so too have the requirements of architectural graphics and signage. Digital imaging was the first computerized partner with the traditional signage techniques in this most traditional of signage disciplines. More recently, digital signage has been added to the mix. 

 

Wayfinding systems are usually a coordinated appearance for all types of signage.

Glass panels are common in architectural signage (this one has been sandblasted and filled with epoxy).

Wayfinding systems have always been a mainstay of the architectural signage world. Architects adhere to rigid codes and standards of quality and the signage is expected to be as durable, functional, and beautiful as the rest of the edifice. This means that new media has to be carefully chosen in order to fit in with the tried, tested and true traditional signage.

 

Architectural wayfinding signage at its best is a beautifully designed system that integrates flawlessly with the architecture, yet is easy to read, understand and follow. Common traditional materials include metals, glass and wood. These beautiful natural materials work well for room designations and simple directional signage, but are often augmented with digital media for more complex tasks like site orientation. This doesn’t mean that the original look of the other signage has to be compromised for the digital media, it can be encased in traditional materials to blend in with the overall look.

 

The most common approach to wayfinding is to use a “system.” These systems use a wide variety of shapes, sizes and configurations to provide a customizable approach to the signage. One of the earliest systems was Slatz. They used a very simple method that utilized aluminum strips that snapped into plastic backing track. The strips were available in different widths and in 8' lengths. The backing track was modular so that any combination of widths could be interchanged. Many other companies have since joined the fray, supplying more varied and complicated systems. This has meant the virtual demise of the custom wayfinding packages, since so many choices are available off-the-shelf at a very reasonable price point. Only the most intrepid clients venture into custom territory now.

 

Many wayfinding systems are available, like this curved system from SignPro Systems, which can be customized for most situations. This system uses suction cups to easily replace content.

Dimensional letters and cast signs are often mounted using studs tapped into the back. Layers of plastic substrates easily can be formed into sign panels with changeable sections.

Digital media has proven to be a great boon to the wayfinding business. Inexpensive LCD screens provide easily changeable maps that can quickly accommodate tenant changes. Large scale LED graphic walls give a building ambience and excitement as well as providing orientation points in large, complex environments. Interactive kiosks answer questions about wayfinding and offer detailed maps customized for each viewer. This is especially valuable in a retail environment when shoppers are looking for specific products. Newest kids on the block are the location-aware map systems that send the wayfinding information to mobile phones using WiFi, infrared and/or GPS signals. Digital media is being utilized in a wide variety of ways to either augment or supercede conventional architectural signs. 

 

ADA requirements call for accommodations for persons with disabilities. This usually involves raised letters, shapes or maps, wheelchair friendly kiosks and Braille (even though only 10% of blind Americans read Braille and those that can read it still have to find it to read it). Radio frequency beacons are a new idea that is receiving limited use. In this system each room sends an infrared message. Blind persons with receivers can punch a room number into their handheld device using Braille. The receiver then uses voice commands to guide them to the proper floor and room.

 

Modern wayfinding signage is a complex blend of the old and the new, of the high-tech and the low-tech and of beauty and the beast. But it still all fulfills its original job of helping people to find the way. 

 

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This graphic looks like a detailed wayfinding map from one side, but allows the people on the other side unrestricted vision out. (Images courtesy of Contra vision.

A New Way to Look at Wayfinding

Large areas inside and outside of buildings are covered by glass. These can provide a vast untapped potential for wayfinding signage. Unfortunately, the windows have other purposes—like allowing people to see out or allowing light to come in. Fortunately, products like Contra Vision address this problem. The graphics are “see-through,” allowing vision out and light in, while still imparting their message. A different message can be put on either side of the glass as well, for true versatility.