Evolution of Signage Science
Evolution of Signage Science
Friday October 05, 07 09:33
By Brian Burton
The following editorial demonstrates the growing recognition of the importance of environmental graphic design (EGD)* for wayfinding and interpretive signage projects.
(*Environmental graphic design refers to the planning, design and execution of graphic elements in the built environment. It includes graphic communication systems that identify, direct, inform, interpret and visually enhance the environment.)
The Washington, DC downtown renewal project involved a site with an exceptionally high level of usage and illustrates environmental graphics at its best. In some respects, this installation also provided excellent examples of the evolution of signage science*.
(*Signage science uses prediction and confirmation of prediction as well as systematic carefully planned experiments carried out either in the laboratory, studio or in model scale. An approach which is much more effective than “trial by error”.)
The project involved a considerable amount of teamwork between the environmental graphic design professionals and management, interpretive writers and other professionals. The project also involved close attention to what was termed "political navigation". In simple terms, this meant the EGD team had to meet the requirements and expectations of all the stakeholders involved.
WASHINGTON DC WAYFINDING
According to David Vanden-Eynden of Calori & Vanden-Eynden/Design Consultants of NYC navigating downtown Washington DC will be a great deal easier in the future! Recently, the well- known firm designed and coordinated installation of over 100 wayfinding signs and maps in Downtown DC and around the National Mall.
Vanden-Eynden, who serves on the Board of Directors for the Society of Environmental Graphic Design points out that these signs will assist the 22 million people who visit Washington, DC every year find their way to the White House, Ford's Theater, or Chinatown. David adds, “Even more signs will be added over the next year including vehicular direction signs and signs hi-lighting the Districts series of Heritage Trails.”
Washington Wayfinding
If any factor could be considered remarkable about the project reports David, “ It was the political navigation required in seeking the consent and approval of the many stakeholders in Washington. The effort involved receiving input from close to 70 stakeholders and addressing their concerns. The wayfinding project also involved many presentations about the various components and elements of the design and installation as well as aspects of purchasing, installation and maintenance.”
The actual construction of the signs and wayfinding components involved work with a specialty metals fabricator, a foundry, various extrusions and subcomponents as well as the actual signage panel materials. “In terms of color, durability size, delivery and quality the graphic panels supplied by Folia Industries Inc are of exceptional quality.” reports David “In fact, we conducted our own “scratch and burn”, tests that involved our best in-house efforts to destroy the panels.” (Simulating chemical exposure, attempts at vandalism, extreme temperatures etc.) In addition to reviewing the products testing results and specifications, we also talked to our colleagues in design and manufacturing. Our attendance at the annual tradeshow at the Society of Environmental Graphic Design conference allows us to view products in person and talk with the manufacturers.
The Downtown Washington Project won an award from the Society of Environmental Graphic Design, Merit Awards, 2002 Wayfinding; District of Columbia Citywide Wayfinding Program, Washington, DC, Calori & Vanden-Eynden, Ltd., New York, NY cvedesign.com
ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHICS; The planning, design and execution of graphic elements in the built environment. EGD includes graphic communication systems that identify, direct, inform, interpret and visually enhance the environment.
WAYFINDING: A term used to describe the program of applying environmental graphics and/or architectural sign systems. The art of helping people find their way by utilizing visual communications such as signs, directories, landmarks, edges, paths etc.
Effectively Designed Outdoor Signage
Although the materials, construction and design of signs have changed dramatically over the years, the purpose of signs remains the same; to communicate quickly and effectively.
- Effectively designed environmental graphics are important for identification, direction and traffic control and are an integral part of landscaped environments. According to Shannon Wells, Marketing Manager for Folia Industries Inc who supplied signage products downtown Washington DC, in addition to informing and orientating, graphics provide an opportunity to create, enhance and reinforce an image and theme.
- Signs communicate directly and indirectly using typography, character, pictures, color, and characters. Sign design and fabrication evolved gradually into a form of creative expression and communication that are recognized as cultural and social artifacts.
- Technology advances have led to a rapid and dramatic expansion of materials and techniques for sign production bringing with them bolder colors, enhanced graphics, new three-dimensional forms and animation in signage. The newest technology also brings sound and audio to environmental graphics.
Objectives of Signage
Well-designed signage and wayfinding strategies assist in facilitating the design, construction, and management of sites. Well-conceived signage should reflect and enhance the nature and essence of a site and achieve convenience and safety. Signs can also provide a means to reinforce the site values and long-range goals.
At a primary level, indoor and outdoor signage should;
- Communicate effectively and concisely.
- Create an appropriate graphic image and identity that is timeless and adaptable.
- Provide a sense of place in an ever-changing environment.
- Be attractive, durable and functional.
- Create a welcoming environment in which people move in an orderly, logical, and safe manner.
- Create circulation patterns that improve the visitor’s ability to navigate within interior and exterior spaces.
- Be attractive, durable and functional.
- Provide a means of integration with consistent design standards for site and landscape elements.
- Achieve convenience and safety.
- Create a new dimension of experience for the visitor.
- Complement other elements in the landscape in an elegant and timeless way.
Caption; The Downtown DC Business Improvement District, (BID), worked closely with the city to implement a physical improvement program that included brighter and more attractive street lights, top quality signage and wayfinding systems, upgraded sidewalks, new street furniture and landscaping. New streetscapes and uses for public places such as markets and sidewalk cafes are being developed to make downtown DC vibrant throughout the day -- and into the evening.
Photography supplied by Judy Davis of Hoachlander Davis Photographers, Washington DC
Orientation maps contained overview, neighborhood, and subway maps. Pedestrian directional signs standout on the streetscape. The design of pedestrian oriented signs works well in historic, contemporary, and unique settings.
The Discover DC signs provided information on neighborhood destinations. Neighbor identification signs let visitors know when they enter a specific area. Simple materials and construction allow for common components among sign types.
Effectively designed environmental graphics are important for identification, direction and traffic control and are an integral part of landscaped environments. According to Shannon Wells, Marketing Manager for Folia Industries Inc www.folia.ca who supplied signage products downtown Washington DC , in addition to informing and orientating, graphics provide an opportunity to create, enhance and reinforce an image and theme.
About the Author: Brian Burton is a Member is Standing Committee for Technical Evaluations for the Canadian Construction Materials Commission and a member of the Society of Environmental Graphic Design. To contact Brian email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.bba.on.ca