All transportation and redevelopment projects, as well as new community developments, require some signage.
It’s a matter of whether that signage will be the minimum required – an afterthought, or will be comprehensively planned to compliment the rest of the project and the project’s marketing and livability goals.
If you look, you will notice that much existing signage in existing districts and neighborhoods is incomplete, and poorly maintained – as well as having inappropriate and unauthorized additions.
Encouraging, easing, and enhancing communities with informative directional solutions can be a very productive investment and clearly a part of creating a sense of place.
Like the other parts of new developments and redevelopment projects, park enhancements, road improvements, and parking facilities, a comprehensive wayfinding program combined with road clutter reduction, can enhance the experience of the community and its sense of place for residents and visitors alike.
It can increase tourism and enhance retail revenues – contributing to economic vitality, quality of life, and community pride.
Improved circulation and shortened searches for destinations and parking can reduce accidents, trip lengths, fuel consumption, and pollution.
As with other capital improvements, wayfinding systems can be designed to reinforce the “brand” of the community or district.
A wayfinding plan researches and analyzes boundaries, routes, decision points, and destinations, as well as signs and sign content required.
A guideline of components are listed here with links to our website.
Sign Types
- Gateway, boundary, and locator
- Guide, trail blazer, and directional
- Directory, interpretive mapping, and informational
- Regulatory, warning, and street name
- Banners and Transit
Sign Elements
- Post/Pole – single or multiple, usually round, might be square or other shape, such as smooth or fluted; possibly frangible as a crash breakaway feature.
- Pole BASE – decorative element that might match or compliment street light poles or other street furniture, such as benches or litter receptacles.
- Sign Panel – box frame, panel, or built-up, contains sign legend, graphic, and/or pictograph
- Finial – decorative top cap of the post/pole or accessory rods
- Fittings – connections and fastenings
Considerations when choosing materials
- Family of Signs General Specifications
- Sign Unit Design Details
- Structure Types and Specifications
- Sign Type Use Within Program
- Pricing Alternatives
- Permitting Requirements (State,County,City)
- Installation Requirements
- Maintenance, replacement, expansion
Planning a Wayfinding System
- Research customer goals
- Study boundaries, jurisdictions, routes, decision points, destinations, and existing signage
- Develop database and mapping for sign locations, sign legends, sign and legend sizes
- Design, engineer, develop specifications for signs and other street furniture
- Prioritize and budget
Metalcraft Industries has a portfolio of successfully completed projects, and we look forward to the opportunity to work together with you on your upcoming development of community wayfinding.
