Architectural signage solutions combine bold and large scale signs to grab attention from a distance with smaller directional wayfinding signage that helps navigate a building complex. A permanent part of a structure’s design that represents an organisation’s brand and communicates the architecture.

Architectural signage systems are all around us and help us to navigate the world in which we live. They are an integral and permanent signage solution and need to be highly durable. 

What is Architectural Signage and its function? 

Architectural signage is essentially a tool for helping people use and navigate a building and is custom-made to integrate with the overall design. As well as new buildings, architectural signage can be used to retrofit existing infrastructure that has undergone a change of use or branding. It is an integral visual element, and we ensure that all architectural signage is of the highest quality, compliant with safety regulations, and suitable for the intended environment.  

The challenge is to consider the intricate requirements of wayfinding, information sharing, and branding, and create something that enhances the design and user experience of a building. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a coherent and pleasing aesthetic that follows the company’s brand guidelines.  

You can find extensive networks of architectural signage all around including at airports, hospitals, shopping centers, office buildings and The London Underground. 

Architectural Signage & regulations 

Architectural signage is used to comply with The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 which mandates the installation of safety signage, such as no-smoking, emergency, fire safety and hazard signs. The types of architectural safety signage required depends on the layout and purpose of a particular premise.  

The accessibility needs of people with disabilities, such as visual impairments, must be factored in. The Disability Discrimination Act guarantees equal access to all people utilizing public buildings. The government has some guidance on accessible communication formats to ensure stakeholders uphold this guarantee.   

In order to ensure equal access, a strategy should consider the needs of disabled people along with all other Building Regulations. This should include how to anticipate their needs, as well as what types of information to prioritize. An accessible signage solution may include a color-contrasting design and the addition of Braille, a system of raised dots that allows people to read signs with their fingertips. 

Key Architectural Signage considerations 

When designing architectural signage for a built space, architects and signage manufacturers must consider a variety of factors, such as visibility, safety, and aesthetic appeal. They should also ensure that the signage complies with all applicable regulations and codes. Additionally, they must take into account the materials and construction methods necessary to create durable and attractive signage. Furthermore, they should consider the costs associated with installation, maintenance, and eventual replacement. 

Wayfaring  

Architects and signage manufacturers must consider the user flow through a building when designing wayfaring signage. They must ensure that the signage is intuitive and clearly directs people along the ideal route. Additionally, they need to take into account visibility, safety, and aesthetic appeal. All these factors will help facilitate smooth user flow and improve the overall look and feel of the built environment. 

Branding 

Brand guidelines must be followed to ensure that the signage works as a whole and enhances the aesthetics of the building. Additionally, a consistent design language can help with wayfaring. For example, the use of a specific color scheme can help people identify “way out” signs in public places.  

Information & Safety  

When designing information and safety signage for a building, architects and signage manufacturers must consider the needs of the building’s visitors as well as all building regulations. They should anticipate what information they need to know and make sure that it is clearly and concisely conveyed in the signage.  

By taking all of these elements into account, they can create an effective and eye-catching signage solution that will help visitors orientate themselves within the building and improve the overall look and feel of the built environment. 

Architectural signage examples:

• Large-format text and graphics
• Wayfinding Signage
• Directional Signage
• Illuminated Signage

Architectural Signage Projects:

We have been working with TFL for nearly 30 years and are the primary supplier of signage and cladding for the London Underground. The London Underground is a prime example of architectural signage done right. It helps up to five million people each day navigate the extensive transportation system, with its distinctive aesthetic that’s famous around the world. From the iconic tube map to pricing information and the striking roundels, this signage is instantly recognizable and serves its purpose effectively. 

Here are some other Architectural Signage projects in our portfolio: 

• A.J Wells has designed, developed, manufactured and installed thousands of signs ranging from door plates and totems, to illuminated fascias and roundels for many of the new Crossrail, Elizabeth Line stations. 
• AJWells supplied the blue, vitreous enamel, external cladding for the Damilola Taylor Centre. Enamelled sheet steel panels were specified for their durability, low maintenance, and graffiti resistance.
• A.J Wells have recently completed the manufacture and installation of a memorial to Frank Pick, the London Underground design visionary who shaped the look of the iconic London Underground. Marking the 75th anniversary of Pick’s death, the artwork consists of cast bronze lettering in the classic New Johnston font and a backlit roundel bearing his name manufactured in the A.J Wells workshops.
• As part of the preparatory works for Crossrail, Canary Wharf, A.J Wells & Sons were commissioned to produce architectural signage and 500m2 of vitreous enamel cladding across four levels of the sub-terrain station – including this vibrant yellow lift shaft section with large screen-printed lettering.
• AJWells manufactured the directional signage used to navigate the Large-format text and graphics.
• We manufactured much of the directional signage at London’s Barbican Centre.

Architectural Signage Materials

The directional signage above is a great case study demonstrating the longevity of vitreous enamel signage and can be found at London’s Elephant & Castle underpass. The signage was originally manufactured by A.J Wells in 1992 and these photographs show the excellent condition of the vitreous enamel after revisiting the site in November 2010. Note that the stainless steel surround (not supplied by A.J Wells) has fared less well.

We are the UK’s leading vitreous enamel experts with the largest enamel facility in the UK. Vitreous (aka porcelain) enamel benefits from being colour-fast meaning colours, text and imagery will never fade. Block screen-printing, enamel photographic transfer technology, as well as illumination, can all be used to create accurate signage that is rich in colour. Our in-house design team includes colour matching specialists who are experts at embracing your brand. Vitreous enamel is the ultimate durable signage material, which is why it is a popular choice for permanent architectural signage solutions.

Our full range of in-house capability and our highly skilled team enable us to cater to a wide range of projects. In addition to vitreous enamel we work with a variety of metals including – brass, stainless steel and aluminium and also toughened glass, wood and stone.

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Our specialist signage team is able to provide a comprehensive service, from initial design through to manufacturing and installation. 

To discuss your project get in touch here.