Kirk in the Hills Church (Bloomfield Hills, MI) is of Gothic design and patterned after the famous Melrose Abbey in Scotland that was built in the 13^th Century.

The new welcome center was identified with anodized aluminum letters given a bronze finish.  Photos © 2017 Gene Meadows.

A WAYFINDING CHALLENGE:  NOT ENOUGH DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

Discussions with team members from Kirk in the Hills identified several challenges affecting the guest experience. One of these challenges was the lack of interior directional signage. Recent changes to how space was being utilized further complicated navigation and was the impetus for the project.

New floor identification and directory signs designed to direct and complement the interior design. Photo © 2017 Gene Meadows.

A WAYFINDING CHALLENGE:  UNMARKED ROOMS AND AREAS

Another challenge to a comfortable guest experience was unmarked rooms and common areas.  To make matters worse, many of these destinations had taken on different names over the history of the church – the same room was often referred to differently by different people.

This challenge was addressed by defining clear names for each room and area, identifying the area with a sign and referring to it consistently in directional signs and floor maps.

Destinations are now clearly identified with designated room names. Photo © 2017 Gene Meadows.

A WAYFINDING CHALLENGE:  YEARS OF SPACE EVOLUTION

The third challenge to a comfortable guest experience was some navigational confusion resulting from multiple architectural expansions over time. For example, the Abbey was built and connected to the older Kirk House structure. To get to level 2 of the Kirk House, one has to ascend stairs from level 2 of the Abbey. This was confusing to guests and was addressed with clear strategically placed signage.

A combination of strategically placed directional signs, floor directories and area identification signs resolved navigational uncertainty.  Photos © 2017 Gene Meadows.

LETTING ARCHITECTURE LEAD

When performing our initial Experience Audit of the interior, the Ideation design team made several observations that would influence the final design of the wayfinding signage.  One of these was the significant role architecture was already playing in shaping the guest experience.

There were several areas such as the entrance to the original chapel and the Tower of the Apostles that needed to be treated very respectfully. The architecture—comprised of marble, stone, leaded glass and stained glass—shaped the experience.  While signage was needed, it must not detract from the existing architectural beauty.

The entrance to Kirk in the Hills’ iconic Tower of the Apostles was identified with bronze letters while the entrance to the original chapel was marked with a more appropriate plaque style sign. Photos © 2017 Gene Meadows.

BALANCING THE OLD AND NEW

The Ideation design team also recognized that there was clearly both an “old” and “newer” look inside the church.  While much of the interior had the original 13^th Century gothic style, more recently added spaces had a more modern feel. Our wayfinding sign designs would need to traverse both of these styles gracefully.

We accomplished this by defining a collection of materials, colors, and finishes that would work well in both the traditional and newer spaces. From these materials, we designed 22 different sign types. We then created a simpler variation of the sign types for the older or more traditional spaces.  Typography was used consistently across both old and new spaces.

New Abbey lounge invites guests and members to live, love and linger.  Photos © 2017 Gene Meadows.

DESIGN FOR APPROACHABILITY

The recently updated spaces, such as the new Abbey lounge, were designed to create a more informal and communal environment. While the new signage throughout the church needed to respect its surrounding architecture, reduced formality was also a goal.

In the spirit of this, lower case lettering was used in all signs except when referring to “Kirk in the Hills.”  The message, Live, Love, Linger was added using dimensional letters in the Abbey lounge.

Room identification signs for the administrative offices. Photo © 2017 Gene Meadows.

Exterior entrance identification signs produced from cast aluminum plaques. Photo © 2017 Gene Meadows.

SUMMARY

The final solution was comprised of 200 unique signs produced from 22 different sign types. According to lead designer, Michael Garavaglia, “It was thrilling to work with such a significant architectural landmark in the community. Our goal was to come up with a solution that respected both the architectural heritage of the church and the forward momentum of the community inside it. It required a measured approach that was both systematic and flexible.”

If you need help bringing comfort and clarity to your space, we’d be happy to help. Contact us.

The post Wayfinding Signage: Navigating Old and New Architecture appeared first on Ideation.

Outdoor Signs to Maximize Impact

In it’s simplest function, outdoor signs tell people where you are.  What’s the best form of outdoor sign?  Well that depends on sight lines, viewing distances, surrounding visual noise, and city sign ordinances.

Cacao Tree, a local cafe, was presented with a problem. Because of the way their building was situated, only a small amount of their storefront faced the street. This made it difficult for people to find them. They came to us for business signage ideas and one solution we recommended was the projecting blade sign. By placing the blade signs at the corner of the buildings, we were able to draw the eyes of hungry pedestrians. To further distinguish them from the surrounding buildings, we used façade lettering and window graphics.

Reception Signs

First impressions mean a lot. A reception sign sets the tone for your client’s visit and can influence their perception of your services.

The team at DeClaire LaMacchia Orthopaedic Institute was looking for custom signage to bring their brand to their space while respecting the interior design. Working with their branding agency, we integrated their logo as a reception sign using a variety of metal finishes that complemented their interior design while creating a stunning first impression.

Wayfinding Signs

Large public buildings, like hospitals, apartment buildings, and hotels need wayfinding signs to direct people to their destinations. If your company moves large groups of people around your facility, then you need to make sure that the appropriate signage is in place. Many of those signs have ADA compliance requirements.

Outfield Lofts, in Lansing MI, needed both a wayfinding sign system and ADA compliant signs for their loft-style apartment building. The solution we delivered also contributed to their overall design rather than just meeting the functional requirements.

“Beyond the traditional value of making sure people know where to go when visiting and being an ADA compliant solution, our design added value to the environment by serving as an artistic element. Our goal was that the custom signage and environment would make residents proud to live there and visitors want to live there.” Jon Moses, Ideation

Digital Displays and Other Specialty Signs

There are times when businesses are faced with unique situations that can be fixed with business signs. For instance, Logicalis used a large amount of glass for interior walls. They did not want to block the open feel of their space, but they did desire a bit of privacy for their meeting rooms. Special graphics helped break up the large glass walls without blocking the light. They also preserved the feeling of openness.

In addition, they had a need for signage that told the story of their business. Integrating interactive digital displays, Ideation was able to bring their story to their space using a combination of static and dynamic digital content.  Since Logicalis is a technology company, the use of the digital displays was a perfect fit.

More Business Signage Ideas

The business signs we showcased here are only a few of our designs. Each business is unique and so is your story. We like to create signage that tells that story in a unique way. Let’s collaborate and put together a portfolio of business signage ideas tailored specifically for your company. Call today for more information.

The post 4 Business Signage Ideas for Your Company appeared first on Ideation.

Installing ADA compliant wayfinding signs is necessary for a business to get their Certificate of Occupancy. Many companies don’t think about ADA signs until faced with a violation, yet they should. ADA compliant signs allow businesses to serve all clients regardless of ability. This accommodation is noble and serves the greater good.

What does it mean to have ADA Compliant Signs?

ADA compliance involves several factors.

• The height and placement of the wayfinding sign.
• Use of Braille or tactile letters.
• Easy to read colors and fonts.

Do All Signs Need to be ADA Compliant?

Not all business signs must comply with ADA  regulations. Exterior signs remain exempt, as well as pylon signs. The types of signage that require compliance are mostly interior signs.

• Bathroom Signs
• Room Identification Signs
• Wayfinding Signs

Acceptable Design for ADA Compliant Wayfinding Signs

According to the guide on the ADA website, wayfinding signs should meet the following regulations.

• Signs should be high-contrast – light on dark, or dark on light.
• Large fonts without decoration to make them easier to read.
• All Braille and tactile lettering must follow guidelines regarding character size and spacing.
• Bathroom signs and Entrance signs must be placed next to the door.
• International Symbol of Access Signs cannot deviate from the official symbol. This rule would include signs such as the one put on accessible parking spaces.

However, just because a sign must meet these requirements does not mean that it can’t have artistic elements.

“Beyond the traditional value of making sure people know where to go when visiting and being an ADA compliant solution, our design added value to the environment by serving as an artistic element. Our goal was that the custom signage and environment would make residents proud to live there and visitors want to live there.” Jon Moses, Ideation.

What To Do When You Need ADA Compliant Wayfinding Signs

If you find all the ADA compliance regulations a bit confusing, don’t worry.  A professional sign company, like Ideation Signs, understands the rules and can help you order what you need.

Not only can they create your ADA compliant wayfinding signs but they can install them. You won’t have to worry about installation regulations either. Keep in mind that with compliance you are making your space more accessible, increasing the likelihood of visitors.

ADA Wayfinding Project by Ideation

Gillespie Group, a developer of creative apartment communities and commercial spaces contacted us to design, produce and install custom ADA wayfinding signage that would work with commissioned graffiti art pieces and ultimately live up to the brand identity of their new Midtown apartment development in Lansing, Michigan.

Large floor numbers made a statement while tying in with the floor-specific color palette and custom graffiti artwork.

When we were brought in by the team at Gillespie Group, the target audience and brand identity for the property was already defined on paper.  The architecture and interior design including color palette and finishes were already specified. Our goal was to come up with a wayfinding signage design that would work with these elements and contribute to the brand.  Of course, we also needed to meet the budget and the required deadline.

Our ADA Wayfinding Signage work included 5 key steps:

1. Sign Strategy: Survey and planning to determine the 132 signs from 16 unique types that would be needed in the space along with code and ADA compliance requirements.  This also included a placement map of where signs would go. 
2. Conceptualization: Develop design concepts for each of the 16 unique types of signs
3. Detailed Design: Design each unique sign to exact production specification 
4. Production: Fabricate all signs to design specification
5. Installation: Install signs in sync with buildout phases

Directional wall signs greeted guests exiting the elevator on each floor.

We designed the room identifications signs so they would meet ADA compliance regulations with tactile characters and grade 2 braille.

Code compliant stairway identification signs were designed with a floor-specific color palette that made both the client and the building inspector happy.

The sign system continued into the parking garage with a consistent design but unique materials to withstand the temperature drop.

Our sign strategy included placement maps that worked to validate the need and placement of each sign with the client team, leading the way to a smooth installation.

If you would like more information on ADA compliant signs, contact Ideation Orange. Ideation brands spaces and produces signs for businesses in the Detroit Metro Area.

Photos ©2015 Gene Meadows

The post What You Need to Know About ADA Compliant Wayfinding Signs appeared first on Ideation.

According to Ideation’s Jon Moses, “the interior design had a rustic modern feel with reclaimed wood used throughout the space. We wanted the wayfinding and room identification signage to be an extension of the overall design rather than just a functional necessity. Our goal was for the custom signage to help brand the space.”

Room identification signs produced from reclaimed wood with direct-to-surface printed graphics and applied raised lettering and Grade 2 braille.

“Rather than fake the wood look with traditional sign laminates, our team wanted to use the same imperfect, reclaimed wood used for common area wall surfaces. After several prototypes, everyone was very pleased with the results!” Jon Moses, Ideation.

A second complementary style sign was designed and produced from frosted black acrylic for walls with wood background and for utility signs to help balance the overall sign program cost.

Nine foot tall floor numbers were hand painted to walls outside the elevator doors.

A view of the outfield lofts from behind home plate.

3’ tall steel numbers were fabricated to recognize the distance from home plate to the exterior of the lofts.

The exterior main entrance was branded with freestanding ½” thick aluminum letters above the canopy.

“Beyond the traditional value of making sure people know where to go when visiting and being an ADA compliant solution, our design added value to the environment by serving as an artistic element. Our goal was that the custom signage and environment would make residents proud to live there and visitors want to live there.” Jon Moses, Ideation Orange.

The post Outfield Lofts: Custom Wood ADA Signs Brand Ballpark Lofts appeared first on Ideation.

We jumped right in and helped them created a branded environment.

Lobby. Photos ©2015 Gene Meadows.

Branding the Space

This project was a very fun collaboration between Ideation and EITC’s Business Development team, Jennifer Mefford and Franz DeRaad.

Waiting Area. Photo ©2015 Gene Meadows.

According to Jennifer Mefford, “It was a pleasure to work with the Ideation team to amplify the great story of the Detroit Electrical Industry Training Center. Thanks to the design work and collaboration with Ideation, the Detroit EITC now more boldly reflects the high-quality, state-of-the-art training offered by the facility and the 100 year legacy between IBEW Local 58 and Southeastern Michigan Chapter NECA.”

Governor Snyder toured the EITC in March and shared his vision for the future of Michigan’s energy.

Program Vignettes. Photo ©2015 Gene Meadows.

Vignettes were created in the lobby for each of the 6 curriculum tracks in the Apprenticeship program. Custom typography was created from industry materials like mini solar panels and power control switches.

Photo ©2015 Gene Meadows.

New signage was mapped, designed and introduced throughout – from wayfinding and room identification signs to new systems for showcasing awards and accolades in a cleaner, more consistent way.

Historical Gallery. Photo ©2015 Gene Meadows.

For over 100 years, this center has trained the area’s top electricians; those responsible for constructing Michigan’s most impressive buildings. Photography was selected from the archives to communicate this legacy.

Graduate Class Photos. Photo ©2015 Gene Meadows.

New touchscreen displays were designed to better organize and display the photos of hundreds of graduating classes. As graduates return to the center for continuing education, finding their class photo has been a highlight of the experience. Varying photography styles and an ever-increasing number of photos was making this a design and organizational challenge.

Contractor Partner Recognition. Photo ©2015 Gene Meadows.

Photo ©2015 Gene Meadows.

A custom display was designed and fabricated to feature the contractor partners represented by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). These valuable partners help fund the Apprenticeship program along with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 58.

Lunchroom. Photo ©2015 Gene Meadows.

Without wanting to spend a lot of money on the lunchroom, we focused our efforts on wrapping the columns and designing a series of 40”x40” prints that were wall-mounted.

Main Entrance. Photo ©2015 Gene Meadows.

Exterior sign letters from anodized aluminum was designed and fabricated to contrast the existing façade. Logos for IBEW Local 58 and NECA were re-created on the glass entry doors in frosted vinyl.

A new exhibit was designed and produced for use at job fairs and other offsite recruiting events.

A new brochure and website were created to help communicate the benefits of the Apprenticeship program.

The website was redesigned per the new design style and messaging that was created for the center.

“Ideation’s design work throughout the facility and in our printed and website extensions is fresh, clean and dynamic. It was a pleasure to work with the Ideation team who kept the project on track and still remained flexible throughout the effort as the project continued to add new elements.

The facility hosts thousands of guests each year including electrical professionals, legislators and other elected officials, K-12 educators and prospective apprentice applicants. The reaction to the newly refreshed space has been incredibly positive.”

– Jennifer Mefford
Director of Business Development
Detroit Electrical Industry Training Center

Photography by Gene Meadows

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