The world of sign making is full of intriguing terminology. Here’s a handy guide on one common signage term: architectural signage.
The world of sign making and business signage is full of intriguing terminology, confusing acronyms and downright perplexing synonyms for the multitude of options available. Well we thought we’d ease things a little with a handy guide to one of the most commonly misunderstood signage terms: architectural signage. And no, it is not the name for signs that grace the side of building sites…
So what exactly is architectural signage?
The name is a bit of a misnomer, as any architectural signage can be a sign but not any sign can be architectural signage. Let us explain:
Technically any physical sign that is attached to a building could be classed as architectural, as the name states, it has to be connected to a building (not always literally, Huge monolith signs can sometimes count as architectural signage, even if they sit just in front of the actual building).
Outside of this, architectural signage generally conforms to one or more of the following characteristics:
- Oversized wording or imagery
- Large format
- Has a physical, dominating presence.
- Located in an area not easily accessible – either high up on the side of a building or on the roof
- Impacts the overall character of the building it is on
- Is used to either name or differentiate a building’s use.
The term is most commonly used to specify built-up signs that have a strong physical presence, and which are used to name a building or collection of buildings (such as campuses). They are mostly signs that are specified by the architects of a building itself within the later stages of the construction process, but can be any sign that is domineering and can be added to a building at any time.
The best examples of architectural signs are the massive bespoke designed signs that grace the sides or fronts of large public or private buildings, such as hospitals, libraries, universities, sports stadiums, company headquarters or office buildings. It was a popular design feature in the early and mid-twentieth century – think of all the art deco cinemas with their names still emblazoned on the building, and you’re getting the picture. In fact, many examples of architectural signs end up becoming local or internationally recognisable icons in their own right: the OXO towers in London, the Empire Hotel in New York, Bauhaus in Germany or the iconic LA X sign, to name just a few.
Another interesting factor to note is that, now that practically everything is moving online nowadays, architectural signage is actually growing in popularity. This is because there is no longer the need to put multiple pieces of information onto a business sign – it can all be found online once you have the name, and a sign that contains just the name can be designed in attention-grabbing ways, almost as more of a decorative feature than a sign at all.
If more information is needed, it can be found on supplementary signage, such as way-finding flags or monument signs or internally with wall or window graphics.
However, Architectural signage is not just for architects or buildings that are just being built- anyone can update their signage to an eye-catching architectural sign. They can also be used by businesses to add a sense of permanent presence to their location. By opting for an architectural sign over a traditional flat or something temporary such as a banner, you are making a statement that you are here and you are investing in the future of your company.
How is architectural signage different from regular signage?
One of the main differentiating factors between an architectural sign and a regular one is that they are primarily design-focused: a perfect marriage between architectural and graphic design. Yes, they serve the purpose of naming a building or locating a company within it, but they are also made to be looked at as something eye-catching itself. Sometimes the architectural sign itself can become an attraction, especially when it works with the building to create something unforgettable, such as is the case with the Wales Millennium Center, in Cardiff. Lines of a poem written in both Welsh and English stand boldly across the side of the building – ‘In These Stones, Horizons Sing’ working in perfect cohesion with the construction of the building itself, and the cultural environment of its surroundings.
Because of this focus on design, architectural signs are always bespoke designed and made, the materials used tend to be extremely high quality and more care is taken over hiding the fixtures. Sometimes clever engineering is needed to hold their bulk or display them in innovative ways.
Can anyone opt for architectural signage?
While some examples of architectural signage involve incorporating typography into the actual elements of the building, something which has to be achieved either with a new build or some fairly extensive remodelling, there are ways that current businesses can add their own stunning versions to their current premises.
Another clever example is when the sign that would usually sit upon a fascia, sits somewhere unexpected. This could take many forms: a stand-alone sign in front of the building or on the rooftop (such as the ones we made for Curious Brewery), spelt out in cut-out letters down the side of the building or above an entrance, lit up to improve visibility at night.
As many commercial buildings today are heavily made of glass, many businesses are opting for 3D letter signs or lightbox signs that sit in front of the glass without having to cover a large portion of it with a wide format flat sign.
Architectural signage doesn’t have to take the form of a company name or logo, however. It also covers any signage substrate that is used externally on buildings, such as textured wall murals, window coverings or any way in which the building has information added to it, that is not an outright advertisement. A billboard on the side would not be architectural signage, for example.
What about Architectural Signage systems?
To confuse matters further, there is also the subject of architectural signage systems, which is a different set of signs entirely.
This similarly named term refers to the system of signs throughout a building or campus, such as directional signs, room or building nameplates, informational signage and any number of other little signs found within a collated group of buildings, such as a university campus or the wayfinding signage found within a hospital complex. These signs all bear the building’s branding incorporated within the information the sign holds, matching strategically so that they are easily identifiable as being officially a part of the building and/or company that runs it.
While architectural signage is not going to be an option for every business -planning permission of local councils or disapproval from landlords can play a big part in the decision-making- there is a lot to be gained from upgrading or investing in a sign that has a presence and shows a level of longevity that flat, unlit signs can sometimes lack.
Here at Medash Signs, we treat every sign as its own unique project, and we are happy to use our decade of experience to create and install the perfect signage solution for you and your premises. Get in touch today to speak to one of our experts.