| Performance Guidelines
Signage, too often one of the last design considerations, should be
considered an integral part of building architecture and site design. A comprehensive sign
program should be included in the initial building design and site plan.
Sign programs, which emphasize building/complex identity, tend to be
more effective and successful than programs which ignore project identity in favor of
catering to individual tenant signage.
It is preferable to develop an overall Sign Program which specifies
that all of its elements (lettering, cabinets, exposed neon, colors, logos, etc.) be
uniform. The type of sign should be appropriate for the specific sign use and its
location.
For example, it would be as inappropriate to place exposed neon
signage on a historically significant building as it would be to utilize a sandblasted
redwood sign for a building of post-modern architectural design.
Signs should be considered a component of the design concept for the
site and building architecture. The size, proportion, and scale of signs contribute to the
overall quality of a project when they can relate to building details rather than compete
with them (e.g. signs which extend above the roof line, or cover architectural details,
columns, or windows).
In most instances, signage should be designed in proportion with
respect to its size, location, and background. For example, signs having size to
background ratios of 1 to 4, or 1 to 3, tend to be in better proportion than signs having
ratios of 1 to 1, or 1 to 100. Further, signs should not exceed 80% of their
vertical/horizontal backgrounds.
The utilization of quality materials for signs is encouraged in all
instances. Durable plastics can be used for cabinet and letter faces. Metal letters will
last longer then those cut out of Styrofoam.
Durable materials should be used for monument type and
ground-mounted signs so that they are not easily damaged. Building mounted signs, on the
other hand, are generally out of reach, and can be fabricated from a wide variety of
materials.
Color and material selection for signs should related to the color
scheme and texture of the building or project materials rather than depend upon "high
contrast" factors in order to be effective. |
