Building signage
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Building signage can be used to convey information in and around buildings by means of text or symbols. The use of signage in buildings can be classified as:
- Safety signs.
- Identification and wayfinding.
- Branding and advertisement.
- Instruction and prohibition.
[edit] Safety signs
The installation of safety signage is mandated by the Health and safety at work act 1974. Safety signs must be provided and maintained in circumstances where a health and safety risk or hazards are identified.
Mandatory safety signs consist of:
- Warning signs (warning of a hazard) – triangular signs with black pictogram and yellow background.
- Prohibition signs (prohibits an action) – round shape with black or white pictogram and either red edgings or a diagonal line.
- Mandatory action signs (prescribes specific behavior) – round shape with white pictogram and blue background.
- Emergency signs (information for emergency situations) – rectangular or square shape with white pictogram and green background.
- Fire safety signs (information for fire emergency) - combination of warning and emergency signs.
A detailed record of fire safety signage in accordance with the Building Regulations part B (Fire safety) must be kept in “as-built” documentation.
The Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2012 require at least one legible “No Smoking” sign is displayed in smoke-free premises. The signs should make clear that the premises are smoke-free.
Signage also needs to conform with the Equality Act 2010.
Further guidance for safety sign design and specification can be found in the British Standards:
- BS 1710:2014 Specification for Identification of Pipelines and Services
- BS 5499-4:2013 Safety Signs. Code of Practice for Escape Route Signing
- BS 5499-10:2014 Safety Signs, Including Fire Safety Signs. Code of Practice for the Use of Safety Signs, Including Fire Safety Signs
- BS 9999:2017 Fire Safety in the Design, Management and Use of Buildings. Code of Practice
- BS ISO 3864-1:2011 Graphical Symbols. Safety Colours and Safety Signs. Design Principles for Safety Signs and Safety Markings
- BS ISO 3864-4:2011 Graphical Symbols. Safety Colours and Safety Signs. Colorimetric and Photometric Properties of Safety Sign Materials
[edit] Identification and wayfinding signs
Signage can be used externally to identify a building by its street number or name. Internally, signage can be used to identify rooms or areas by name, number or function.
Wayfinding signage can provide direction to a particular room or area and is important in large, complex buildings such as hospitals, educational facilities or transport terminals. In such cases, a uniform house style is considered desirable for consistency and clarity.
[edit] Branding and advertisement
Effective wayfinding can not only produce a safer environment, it can also create a positive impression. The location and design of identification and wayfinding and other signage forms a major part of an organisation’s corporate image and may be specified in some detail by in-house design guides.
Where such signage constitutes an advertisement, it may need advertisement consent. For more information see: Advertisement consent.
[edit] Instruction and prohibition signs
Signage in buildings may also instruct users to behave in certain way (‘please knock before entering’) or prohibit them from undertaking certain activities (‘no eating or drinking’). This may reflect an organisation’s internal policies, such as prohibiting the use of mobile phones in certain areas.
As with other signage, such notices should convey the necessary information or instruction as clearly and as simply as possible, and should be located where they are easily visible.
[edit] Materials and construction
Signs can be made from various materials, including:
- Metals – aluminium, stainless steel, metal composites, bronze & brass.
- Plastics- acrylics, polyurethanes, PVC, plexiglass.
- Timber.
- Backlit and illuminated.
- Digital screens.
- Fabrics.
Signs can be elaborate and require complex installation and fixing details depending on scale and size. They should be a key part of the design process, and not simply left to the end.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Advertisement consent.
- Braille signage and accessibility.
- Emergency lighting.
- Fire safety design.
- Hoarding for construction sites.
- Legibility.
- Masterplanning.
- Means of escape.
- Placemaking.
- Planning digital signage in new buildings.
- Plexiglass.
- Safety signs
- Wayfinding.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.
Comments
An absolutely amazing short, informative and all you need article..well done