Signs of the Times - June 2013 - (Page 56)

The Reality of Your Surroundings Industry experts discuss EGD trends By Steve Aust Environmental graphicsignage that isn’tisby complex, underappreciated design (EGD) a (is there any aspect of those outside the industry?) field that requires integrating a building’s graphic design, architecture, industrial design and landscaping into a cohesive sign package that provides building-ID, wayfinding and, often, monument signage that both directs and informs the visitor. In today’s hyper-stimulated world, entertainment may enter the equation as well. That’s the left-brain definition. On her firm’s website, Sarah Huie Coleman, principal of Atlanta-based Huie Design, gave an apropos definition that encapsulates EGD’s creative intent: “It’s defining the essence of a place or an experience - weaving diverse ideas and elements into a singularly compelling presence that says, ‘you are here.’” Of course, the client’s expectations of a “compelling presence” are constantly evolving. They often demand that a sign package not only identify its property, but also reflect a building’s structural integrity through materials and color scheme. While new ADA standards have, according to many providers, simplified accessible-signage requirements, they still require careful attention from designers and fabricators. And, technology will soon redefine the realms of accessibility and placemaking. However, a fortified toolkit helps designers and providers overcome heightened challenges. Cloud computing helps project stakeholders stay in the loop with project developments and changes; new-generation software programs enable the creation of more accurate templates and renderings, and more material and hardware choices help designers and fabricators satisfy end users who are increasingly cognizant that their spaces vie for entertainment dollars, tenants or whatever metric they use to determine success. Several well-respected EGD providers and architectural-sign fabricators provided their insights into how material choices, software capabilities, client expectations and many other variables influence the architecturalsignage revolution. 56 SIGNS OF THE TIMES / JUNE 2013 / www.signweb.com Corbin Design Traverse City, MI-based Corbin Design has devoted the majority of its 37 years of existence to EGD, with a primary focus on schoolcampus, healthcare-campus and civic-wayfinding systems. The company’s portfolio includes having developed wayfinding standards for such diverse clients as Indiana Univ. Health, Raleigh, NC and St. Louis. Mark VanderKlipp, Corbin Design’s president, noted that, as clients are looking for more efficiencies, designer and fabricator relationships have become more nuanced. “We’re proactive with our relationships, and we strive to involve them earlier in our projects to share expertise and father insights, such as fabrication techniques and pricing,” he said. “We’re not affiliated with any fabricators, but often develop preferred fabricator lists. We allow clients fair comparisons throughout the bid process. “With respect to fabricators, we’ve struggled with a few shops that offer http://www.signweb.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - June 2013

Signs of the Times - June 2013
Contents
ST Update
Tech Update
Profiling Media for Purpose
Vinyl Apps
Strictly Electric
LED Update
Software Update
Technology Review
Technology Review
Sign Museum News
New Products
Enter ST’s 7th Annual Vehicle Graphics Contest!
The Reality of Your Surroundings
The Great ’scapes
Digital Printers at ISA
It’s a Jungle in Here
Advertising Index
Editorially Speaking

Signs of the Times - June 2013