# Signage and Wayfinding

## ADA Signage Requirements

### Required Signs
| Location | Sign Type |
|----------|-----------|
| Permanent rooms/spaces | Room identification |
| Exits | Exit signs (illuminated) |
| Stairways | Floor level signs |
| Accessible features | ISA symbol |
| Parking | Accessible parking |
| Elevators | Floor designation |
| Restrooms | Gender identification |

### Visual Character Requirements
| Feature | Requirement |
|---------|-------------|
| Finish | Non-glare |
| Contrast | 70% min between text and background |
| Letter style | Sans-serif, no italic |
| Letter height | Based on viewing distance |
| Stroke width | 10-30% of letter height |
| Character spacing | 10-35% of letter height |

### Letter Height by Viewing Distance
| Viewing Distance | Min Letter Height |
|------------------|-------------------|
| 6' | 1" |
| 10' | 1-5/8" |
| 15' | 2-1/2" |
| 20' | 3-1/4" |
| 25' | 4" |

---

## Tactile Signage

### When Required
- Permanent room/space identification
- Exit signs
- Stairway floor levels
- Not required for directional/informational signs

### Tactile Requirements
| Feature | Requirement |
|---------|-------------|
| Raised characters | 1/32" min height |
| Character height | 5/8" to 2" |
| Character width | 55-110% of height |
| Stroke thickness | 10-30% of height |
| Grade 2 Braille | Below text, 3/8" min |
| Braille spacing | Per ANSI standards |

### Mounting Height
- 48" to 60" AFF (to center of lowest tactile character)
- On latch side of door
- 18" clear from door edge (if swing side)

---

## Exit Signs

### Requirements
| Feature | Requirement |
|---------|-------------|
| Letter height | 6" min |
| Stroke width | 3/4" min |
| Visibility | 100' in normal conditions |
| Illumination | 5 FC min at face |
| Emergency power | 90 minutes min |
| Color | Green or red (check AHJ) |

### Placement
- At each exit door
- Along path of egress travel
- At changes in direction
- In corridors at required intervals
- In stairways at each floor

### Types
| Type | Power | Notes |
|------|-------|-------|
| Self-luminous | Tritium | No power needed, 10-20 year life |
| LED | 120V | Most common, low power |
| Edge-lit | 120V | Thin, architectural |
| Electroluminescent | 120V | Thin, even glow |

---

## Directional Signage

### Wayfinding Hierarchy
1. **Primary** - Major destinations (lobby, elevator, parking)
2. **Secondary** - Departments, zones
3. **Tertiary** - Individual rooms
4. **Regulatory** - Code-required signs

### Sign Types
| Type | Use |
|------|-----|
| Directory | Building map, tenant list |
| Directional | Arrows to destinations |
| Identification | Room/department name |
| Informational | Rules, hours, policies |
| Regulatory | Fire exit, no smoking |

### Placement Principles
- Decision points (intersections, elevators)
- Consistent mounting height
- Clear sight lines
- Not blocked by doors or obstructions
- Adequate lighting

---

## Room Identification Signs

### Standard Information
- Room number
- Room name/function
- Department (optional)
- Tactile text and Braille (if permanent)

### Numbering Systems
| System | Example | Use |
|--------|---------|-----|
| Sequential | 101, 102, 103 | Simple buildings |
| Zoned | 1A01, 1B01 | Wings/zones |
| Grid | 1-A-101 | Large buildings |
| Landmark | Near main lobby | Wayfinding assist |

### Standard Sizes
| Application | Typical Size |
|-------------|--------------|
| Office | 4" × 8" |
| Conference | 4" × 10" |
| Restroom | 4" × 8" or 6" × 6" |
| Suite | 8" × 10" |
| Department | 10" × 12" |

---

## Directory Signs

### Types
| Type | Use |
|------|-----|
| Alphabetical | Tenant/name lookup |
| Floor-based | Building map per floor |
| Departmental | By function |
| Interactive (digital) | Large/complex buildings |

### Design Considerations
- Viewing distance affects text size
- Clear organization
- Easy to update (changeable)
- Coordinate with building numbering
- Include "You Are Here" if map

---

## Parking Signage

### ADA Accessible Parking
| Element | Requirement |
|---------|-------------|
| Sign height | 60" min to bottom of sign |
| Van accessible | Additional "Van Accessible" |
| Penalty sign | $250 fine (or per state) |
| ISA symbol | White on blue |

### General Parking Signs
- Entry/exit
- Clearance height
- One-way arrows
- Speed limit
- Reserved spaces
- No parking zones

---

## Interior Sign Systems

### Materials
| Material | Use | Cost |
|----------|-----|------|
| Acrylic | General, tactile | $$ |
| Metal | Premium, durable | $$$ |
| Painted | Budget, integrated | $ |
| Wood | High-end, hospitality | $$$ |
| Digital | Changeable content | $$$$ |

### Mounting Methods
| Method | Application |
|--------|-------------|
| Surface/wall | Most common |
| Projecting (flag) | Corridors |
| Suspended (pendant) | High ceilings |
| Recessed | Flush with wall |
| Freestanding | Lobbies, outdoors |

### Finishes
| Finish | Best For |
|--------|----------|
| Matte | ADA compliant, general |
| Satin | Professional appearance |
| Gloss | Not ADA compliant |
| Brushed metal | Modern, durable |

---

## Exterior Signage

### Building Identification
| Type | Use |
|------|-----|
| Channel letters | Individual lit letters |
| Cabinet sign | Illuminated box |
| Monument sign | Ground-level structure |
| Pole sign | Visibility from road |
| Awning sign | Integrated with canopy |

### Code Considerations
- Maximum sign area (zoning)
- Maximum height
- Illumination restrictions
- Historic district requirements
- Sign permits required

---

## Digital Signage

### Applications
| Application | Location |
|-------------|----------|
| Directory | Lobby |
| Wayfinding | Intersections |
| Information | Public areas |
| Menu boards | Food service |
| Room scheduling | Outside meeting rooms |

### Technical Considerations
- Screen brightness (500+ nits indoors)
- Network connectivity
- Content management system
- Power and data locations
- Mounting and ventilation

---

## Signage Schedule

### Drawing Documentation
| Column | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| Mark | Sign designation (S-1, S-2) |
| Location | Room or area |
| Type | Wall, projecting, etc. |
| Size | Width × height |
| Copy | Text content |
| Finish | Material and color |
| Mounting | Height AFF |
| Notes | Special requirements |

### Sign Types Schedule
| Type | Description | Typical Size |
|------|-------------|--------------|
| A | Room ID with tactile | 4" × 8" |
| B | Directional | 12" × 3" |
| C | Department | 10" × 4" |
| D | Exit | Per code |
| E | Restroom | 6" × 6" |

---

## Coordination Checklist

- [ ] Sign locations on floor plans
- [ ] Mounting heights specified
- [ ] Power/data for lit signs
- [ ] Blocking for heavy signs
- [ ] Sign schedule complete
- [ ] ADA compliance verified
- [ ] Exit sign locations per code
- [ ] Directional signage at decision points
- [ ] Room numbering system established
- [ ] Graphic standards provided
