Interior signage for historic buildings

Introduction
Letting people know where they are and where to go will help make a successful first impression in any building. There are many types of signs: dkectionai, locational, regulatory, identifying, and greeting. In an historic building it is particularly important to carefully consider the location and design of signage so as not to interfere with the original aesthetic intent of an historic space. In an historic building, materials, color and consistent graphics are of paramount importance. In addition, flexibility is often required when dealing with government buildings. Too often signage is added as an afterthought without regard to its environment. In a cohesive signage package for an historic building, there should be an emphasis on consistent graphic design and a selection of colors and materials that blend with the original historic fabric. If original signs exist, they should be retained and made current. Original signs may be used as a design model and point of departure for new signs. In designing signage, sensitivity to the building details and the architect's intent for the building is required, as well as acknowledgment of changing needs. In addition, signs should be installed in a way so as not to harm historic materials. This brief will provide guidelines to encourage minimal disruption of historic fabric during sign installation. We have created this brief to provide guidance to GSA building managers, tenants, contractors and lessons, in partnership with your Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO) to help you make good preservation choices regarding signage.

Signage Guidelines
These guidelines apply primarily to Preservation, Restoration, and Rehabilitation Zones, as defined by GSA Historic Building Preservation Plans and Historic Strutture Reports. For other zones, consult the Regional Historic Preservation Officer.
 * 1) Sign placement, size and appearance (design) must be approved by GSA Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO). All alteration projects in historic buildings need to be approved by the RHPO.
 * 2) Retain historic signs whenever possible. Where original signs no longer serve their intended purpose, consider reusing existing signs for new purposes. For example, an empty directory can be used for permanent interpretive exhibits.(Fig. 1)
 * 3) Attach signs so they cause no permanent damage to the building. Anchor into mortar joints if necessary, rather than drilling into stone or brick. Consult manufacturers on adhesive removal procedures and choose only removable adhesives for mounting.
 * 4) Use original signage as a model for color, finish and lettering style choices when designing new signs.(Fig. 2)
 * 5) Design new signage using one cohesive approach. Consult a design professional for a comprehensive signage package.(Fig. 3)
 * 6) Allow for various types of signage where it may be necessary. For example, room identifiers may be on doors, on stanchions, or on perpendicular "fin" type signs, often backlit, (Fig. 4) to provide visibility from a distance.
 * 7) Provide a location for temporary announcements and notices for building tenants which will have minimal impact on historic spaces.
 * 8) Discourage ad-hoc signage.(Fig. 5)
 * 9) Consolidate signs where possible.
 * 10) Use the mandatory sign list, below, researched and developed by the GSA Signage Task Force, to determine minimum lobby signage requirements.

Mandatory Sign List


Category: GSA Technical Preservation Guidelines