Architectural signs are long-lasting signs that point to places inside and outside of a building in ways that are both attractive and helpful. They provide a creative, unified way to advertise a brand while helping people find their way and making their visit better.
Architectural signs can show the building or company names and use materials that are found in the building’s outside or inside design, like aluminum, stainless steel, glass, stone, and other natural materials. These signs can also be totally separate from the building as long as they keep the same style.
They usually have a special design that was made for a certain place and have to be checked by an architect and an engineer to make sure the sign is made to be safe and steady.
How to Choose the Right Font and Size for Architectural Signs
When making architectural signs, it is important to consider the letter style and size, as well as the level of detail and the materials used.
- The distance between the sign and the viewer: a useful guide is to add 1 inch to the letter size for every 10 feet of distance. For example, a letter that’s 1 inch tall can be read from 10 feet away, but from 40 feet away, it should be 4 inches tall.
- The type and purpose of the sign: different types of signs have different size ranges and messages. For example, yard and political signs are usually 5-7 inches tall, while traffic and outside direction signs are 10-14 inches tall. The message should be short, clear, and direct, and the letter size should be at least 16 for most advertising signs.
- The design and aesthetics of the sign: for architectural signs, a higher level of detail is expected to create a smooth, unified look inside the building. Using building materials in the sign can help match the building’s design and style.
These are some of the aspects to consider when picking the right letter style and size for architectural signs.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing the Font and Size for Architectural Signs
There are some common mistakes to avoid when picking the style and size of letters for architectural signs. These mistakes can affect the readability and effectiveness of the sign. Some of the mistakes are:
- Choosing a letter style that is hard to read from a distance: some letter styles and effects might look good on small advertising tools, but they can make the sign less visible and clear. The letter style should match the size and look of the sign.
- Neglecting the layout and design: some customers think that the choices and sizes of letters, spacing, and colors do not matter, but they do. The message on the sign should be short, clear, and direct, and the letter size should be big enough to see from the optimal distance. Detailed or complex pictures should be avoided on the sign because they can be confusing from far away.
- Filling up too much space: it is important to leave as much empty space as possible on the sign, especially for signs with only text. This can make the sign more attractive and easy to read. There should also be a strong contrast between the letters and any other color on the sign.
These are some of the tips to follow when picking the right letter style and size for architectural signs.
Choose ICE Signs
ICE Signs creates custom architectural signs using a variety of materials and methods. They have many years of experience working with specifiers and can offer advice if needed. Contact them today.
For more information, visit
https://www.icesigns.co.uk/products/monolith-signs/
https://www.icesigns.co.uk/products/face-illuminated-letters
