Signage Meets Architecture: How to Blend the Two Seamlessly

Commercial signage is much, much more than just flashy ways to bring people inside of your business. Signage not only catches the attention of customers and potential customers, but it should complement the existing form and function of the business in such a way as to not only ‘look’ great but to ‘feel’ great as well.

Form Meets Function

As with architecture itself, form and function blend together to create both aesthetically-pleasing structures and their interiors as well as evoking a feeling therein. Some architectural styles lend themselves better to certain kinds of signage than others for this reason.

Consider, for example, a heavy sign with thick metal accents outside of a minimalistic shop. To many, the sign will stand out, surely, but its presence may be jarring in contrast to the pared back minimalist aesthetic of the shop. Conversely, a minimalist logo or sign adorned outside of a restaurant filled with eye-catching decals and displays (menus, daily specials, etc.) may not be the best fit as it doesn’t complement the ‘busy’ aesthetic going on all around the restaurant.

A good example of signage that blends in with existing architecture could be, for example, traditional Art Deco retro-inspired signage with an existing Art Deco building.

Law firms and other professional establishments should have signage that fits the professional style of the building, both outside and inside, so traditional lettering is a good fit, for example.

Generally, it’s safe to go with traditional, classic signage and branding to complement traditional architectural styles. More radical architectural styles such as Googie, brutalist, or anything falling under the term ‘eclecticism’ or postmodern is often better-suited to more experimental signage.

Purpose is King

In terms of content, the purpose of your signage is what really matters. What good is a directory board inside of an office building if it’s got the names of employees but no office numbers or extension numbers?

If the purpose of your signage is to draw in foot traffic, it’s got to look and feel like it belongs there. It’s also got to clearly indicate that, yes, this is your business and this is what you do (selling hamburgers, offering massage services, and so on – whatever it is you do).

Similarly, directional signage for social distancing and face masks, for example, are warning signage. You wouldn’t expect a warning sign on the road ahead for a sharp curve placed ON the curve itself, would you? Place these types of signs outside of your business such that they’re clearly visible so that customers know what to expect before setting foot inside.

Lastly, consider that purpose in signage consists of design, structure, and how it’s manufactured. A great design can look appealing on a computer monitor, but consider how it will look once implemented. Vehicle vinyl wraps, for example, should look just how you want them but should also be practical and appealing to pedestrian traffic whilst parked and from some distance whilst on the road.

Go Graphics

For all things commercial signage, including vehicle vinyl wraps, interior and exterior commercial signage, and more, come to Perth’s Go Graphics and have your design brought to life. Our graphic design experts can also work with your business to create truly aesthetically-pleasing branding and signage designs that work and blend in well with the architecture of your business.