090710 Guidelines Final
090710 Guidelines Final
s i g n a g e , way f i n d i n g , & v i s u a l c o m m u n i c at i o n s s ta n d a r d s
1 0 J U LY, 2 0 0 9
ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Current Building Code Sign Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3.1 Elevator Lobby Wayfinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1.2 Adding Building Sign Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3.2 Elevator Lobby Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
1.3 Retail Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3.3 Public Corridor Exhibits & Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.4 Vault Identities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Lettering Height 3.5 Unique Vault Corridor Identities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Corridor/Store Exterior Signage
Interior Signage & Graphics Large Group Logo and/or Seal
Banners & Awnings Artifacts and/or Artwork
Finishes, Materials, and Color Accent Band
E x e c u t iv e s umm a ry
These standards are part of an initiative to govern the use of By implementing these standards, The Central Intelligence
signage, wayfinding, and visual communication elements Agency is ensuring that employees and visitors to the
within public areas of the Central Intelligence Agency Headquarters Facility will encounter the same look and feel
Headquarters. They are intended to serve as a reference throughout the interior environment, projecting an image of
guide and standards manual, facilitating the creation of a cohesiveness, coordination, and sophistication for the
fa c i l i t y s i g n a g e s y s t e m s S e c t i o n o n e
Recommended methods of repairing and adapting the current signage system in order to meet current and future needs.
Included are current standard sign types, recommended supplemental sign types, and guidelines regarding placement,
1 . 1 c urr e n t b uildi n g CO D E s ig n t yp e s
entire system.
3
1 2 3 4
1 . 2 a ddi n g B U I L D I N G s ig n t yp e s
As seen within the facility, there will be occasions where an Furthermore, proper placement must be considered based
additional sign type may be required due to changing upon existing signage and code requirements (see Fig. 1.2a).
interior or operational conditions, or in response to the For instances where an additional sign is required to
need for supplemental information. In these instances, supplement an existing one, it shall be fabricated based
additional signage types may be fabricated based strictly upon proportions of the existing sign, and placed in
upon existing signage proportions, type, materials alignment and with adequate space (see Fig. 1.2b).
and colors.
X
Sign
5/8"
5'-0"
2"
in arial typeface, caps;
blue background EQ.
X OR 2X
EQ.
1 . 3 r e ta il s ig n a g e
Signage is an important element in establishing a Interior Signage & Graphics: Permanent signage and store
distinctive identity for each tenant, but must also help to logos that occur on the interior of the space are permitted.
maintain and enhance the overall image of the public Internally lit box/display signs must be smaller than four
spaces at the Headquarters Facility. Signs must be elegant, square feet each, and may not occupy more than 50% of any
tasteful, and blend with existing architecture and finishes of storefront display window. Temporary glass-applied signage
the interior environment, and will be subject to the approval and graphics, such as posters, flyers, announcements and
process outlined in section four. advertisements are not permitted under any circumstances.
Clearance: Signs should have at least an 8' clearance above Banners & Awnings: Permanently affixed banners and
any walkway or entrance. If mounted to a wall adjacent to an awnings are not permitted.
above the finished floor and shall not protrude more than 4" Finishes, Materials, and Color: It is critical that the finishes
from the wall face. Exceptions are permitted in the event of used in signage or retail storefronts coordinate with the
5
significant adjacent architectural alignments. In that event, existing finishes and design language of the building. As
those alignments shall be maintained. such, dominant tones shall be black, white, or neutral, and
Lettering height: Facade/entry sign lettering should be no finishes are indicated in Figure 1.3a. Any and all glass shall
taller than 10", logos or trademarks or other related graphics be clear, frosted, subtly textured or backpainted. Colored
shall be no larger than 24" high. tones may be used as long as they are restricted to and
coordinate with store logo colors. Any and all variances shall
Corridor/Store Exterior Signage: Halo-lit or pin mounted be subject to the approval process outlined in section four.
fig. 1.3a
Acceptable Exposed Metal Finishes
Retail Signage at the NHB Atrium: The retail storefronts Additionally, internally lit signs, including halo-lit or box
at the NHB Atrium have a vigorous grid as a part of their signs are not permitted for this area. If there is a desire for
architecture, and as such, any retail signage must coordinate increased visibility, an optional accent band may be used in
with that system. This is in addition to the aforementioned the upper panels of the storefront.
may be used that coordinates with the colors of the store logo
Retail logos and identification must occur in the glass panel or identity. This tone must be achieved through applied vinyl
above the main entry door, and must be confined to the to the second surface (interior) of the storefront glass. Visible
bottom half of that panel (Fig. 1.3b) bubbles or wrinkles in the applied vinyl are not permitted, and
6
Optional Permissible Surface Applied
Accent Band Signage Signage/Logo
Area
Scytale | Services
6" 6"
fig. 1.3b
Recommended Retail Signage at NHB Atrium
Scale: NTS
1 . 4 f l e x i b l e f r e e s ta n di n g , wa llm o u n t e d
a n d dy n a mi c D igi ta l s ig n a g e
with each other and the existing finishes and style of the
Freestanding Signage: The use of temporary wood easels the easel against the nearest wall. If you are unable
for the display of any signage is highly discouraged. As a to remove your sign after your event, call x37771 to
result, any easel placed without the express approval of the arrange for OPA to hold your signs for a later pickup.
OPA shall be subject to immediate removal. In their place, • Do not remove someone else's signs, even if the
freestanding sign holders will be made available use. The event is over. Send a Lotus Note to DS-CSC-FS-EMD-
Base clamp detail
specification for the recommended model is as follows: SERVICES-ALL to request their removal.
Fig. 1.4c • OHB Southwest entrance. Signs must stand along the 8
To request the use of a freestanding 1B corridor on the same side of the hallway as the
SERVICES-ALL. Please include the number of signs • OHB Northeast Entrance. Signs must stand along the
requested, desired location, dates for the signs to be taken wall just past the ATM and may not block artwork.
Freestanding signs have the following specific restrictions • OHB main entrance, including the lower and upper
regarding their content, form, and display: lobby areas, near former President Bush's bust, and on
• Signs may be on display for a maximum of two (2) days • Near any elevator.
• Signs on easels must be mounted to foam core with no • In the tunnel leading to the Headquarters Auditorium.
• Signs must be removed by the close of the business • NHB 4th floor atrium entrance.
day the day of the event so that SSI can remove the
**NOTE: Exceptions to these guidelines include D/CIA or
easels from the hallway. If signs used an easel, collapse senior leadership events, or OPA or Facilities events.
Side View
entries to the cafeteria, and ground-level areas such as the Fig. 1.4d
Museum and NHB/OHB entry lobbies. While single displays
way f i n d i n g a n d g r a p h i c e l e m e n t TOO L B O X S e c t i o n t w o
Best practices and recommendations for wayfinding and environmental graphics. Included are approved typefaces and usage,
2 . 1 way f i n di n g D e f i n e d
basic rules
The primary purpose of any wayfinding system is to guide for implementing
signage & wayfinding
staff, and visitors from point A to point B. In many cases
The tools necessary for someone to be able to determine, • Allow for change.
Understand that things will
understand, and find are numerous. In addition to signs, a change, plan for it.
11
variety of elements are necessary including landmarks, visual
• Ensure that no sign
cues in the architecture, color, lighting, flooring, and maps. obscures the next.
For any wayfinding system to work effectively, redundan- • Maximize the size of the
cies of these tools should be integrated to accommodate sign while minimizing the
content.
different types of users. If we acknowledge that a wayfinding
• Promote one route. Even
is much more than a sign or a number of signs we will be
though there may be more,
successful in implementing and maintaining such a system. directing to more than one
route will create confusion,
not convenience.
As a part of this handbook, specific elements that support
• Provide “bread crumbs.”
wayfinding have been outlined. The use of typography, sym-
Give information only when
bols, color, layout, and materials have all been determined needed.
to ensure not only a consistent appearance throughout the • Orient to the user. Maps
Headquarters Facility, but also to support users moving should be in “heads-up”
orientation.
within the its interior environment.
2 . 2 a c c e p ta b l e t yp e fa c e s
and identify.
12
Helvetica (Fig. 2.2a) is a highly functional and flexible Helvetica Regular
typeface that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
requirements and coordinates with the existing building 1234567890,.-()
signage systems. In the event that Helvetica is not available, Fig. 2.2a
Arial Regular (Fig. 2.2b) may be used as an alternate. These are
the only typefaces that may be used for any code-required, Arial Regular (alternate to Helvetica)
directional, vault identity, or wayfinding signage element.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890,.-()
Times New Roman (Fig. 2.2c) is available on virtually all Fig. 2.2b
computers and exudes a classic and warm sensibility while
maintaining clarity and legibility. This typeface may be used Times New Roman
for corridor identities and/or logos. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890,.-()
Fig. 2.2c
2 . 3 l e t t e r s pa c i n g
L e t t e r s p a ce
13
or condensing the typeface from its original format (Figs.
L e tte r s p a ce
dimension by stretching or condensing destroys the integrity
2 . 4 a rr o w s X
1.125x
turn, are strictly prohibited.
.1875x
.875x
The arrow may be rendered in eight different orientations
The scale of the arrow shall always match the height of any
.1875x
Fig. 2.4b
2 . 5 s ym b o l s
The symbol form is always to appear in white. The Color Keyed Elevator Symbol
2 . 6 m at e ri a l s & Fi n i s h e s
Acrylic or glass sheets shall be colorless (no tints of green fig. 2.6a
Acceptable Exposed Metal Finishes
or blue) and shall be frosted or completely transparent
2 . 7 CO L O R
The use of color, whether on signs, wayfinding elements, There are three color families for use within the
or environmental graphics should be carefully considered. Headquarters Facility:
Color should provide adequate contrast between sign
message and field. It should be easily distinguished from • Family A: Core Informational/Wayfinding signage (Fig. 2.7a)
its surroundings, while remaining harmonious with the • Family B: Supplemental Accent Elements (Fig. 2.7b)
surrounding architecture. Color can indicate a change in • Family C: Corridor /Vault Identity Systems (Fig. 2.7c)
services, important messages, or hierarchy of information.
17
PMS black c PMS 541 c PMS 485 C PMS 542 C PMS 123 C
white PMS 541 c PMS Cool Gray 10 PMS 152 C PMS 512 C PMS 575 C
fig. 2.7a
Color Family A: Core Informational/Wayfinding > Colors in this section shall only be used for signage relating to color-keyed
Pantone Color Matching System elevator banks
2 . 8 D ir e c t i o n a l Sig n s
Sign locations and messages should be considered carefully. signs, the user begins to intuitively know where to look on
They should be developed with the end-user and actual any given sign for the information that he is seeking.
In order for a user to easily find his way from point A to point types be printed to a more rigid paper stock in order to avoid
B there must also be a consistent use of messages on signs. visible buckling and rippling due to trapped moisture and/or
Users will rely on the signs to find their destination and mes- static charge. Hammermill Color Copy Cover, 80 lb / 216 gm,
sages that change or are abbreviated require additional time 100 brightness is recommended.
P u bl i c c o r r i d o r s a n d Va u lt i d e n t i t i e s S e c t i o n t hr e e
Approved materials, methods, and specifications for alterations made to the corridors within the Headquarters Facility.
Included are guidelines regarding wayfinding elements, elevator lobbies, exhibits and displays, the placement of art, and
EQ. EQ.
3 . 1 e l e v at o r l o b b Y WAY F I N D I N G
7'-6"
within the building where a combination of high volumes of
5"
travel and waiting create extremely high visibility.
3.75"
As a result, all elevator lobbies, regardless of location or
5"
architecture, shall be treated in a consistent manner.
OPEN
TO
BEYOND
7'-6"
7'-6"
8"
CENTRA L INTE L L IGENCE AGENCY
3 . 2 e l e v at o r l o b b Y Cu s t o mi z at i o n
page 15), be used to clad elevator core walls (Fig. 3.2a, 3.2c),
21
Additional customization may occur in the recommended
elevator bank.
Customization Area
Neutral Wall Tone for Art/Exhibits
Benjamin Moore
AC-27 Galveston Gray Accent Paint/
Signage
22
fig. 3.2c
Elevator bank color key. Refer to Fig. 2.7a for acceptable colors.
3 . 3 pu b li c c o rrid o r e x hi b i t s & D i s pl ay s
All public exhibits and displays require some sort of turned wood, or carved borders do not match the modern
identifying or descriptive signage. As this signage is not character of the Headquarters Facility and may not be used
The placement and sizing of the text shall be dependent paint in corridors, and must coordinate with the acceptable
upon the scale of the exhibit and architecture surrounding paint tones identified in Fig. 2.7b in order to blend with the
it, however, no text shall be higher than 10" nor smaller than surrounding built environment. If this is not possible, then
1/2" in overall height. This text may be painted, dimensional, a suitable neutral break or framing device at least 12" wide
or cut vinyl applied directly to the surface of the wall. must be used so that the edges of the installation do not
Applied signage plaques of any sort are to be avoided, directly abut any other colors and finishes.
adjacent areas, the paint color must be chosen from Family • Sufficient space for the full installation of all artifacts
B: Supplemental Accent Elements (Fig. 2.7b). or elements, allowing appropriate clearance for adjacent
circulation as well as 6' clear from any corner.
In the event that one of these colors is used on a wall • Logical architectural framing elements such as a corner,
surface, it shall be applied from floor base to ceiling, and pilaster, or column.
must horizontally terminate at a logical architectural • Sufficient and appropriate lighting for the nature of the
no conditions shall paint terminate mid-way along a wall. All displays, whether permanent or temporary, must adhere
If a logical vertical break does not exist, a dimensional Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA). References are
architectural element may be constructed by furring-out included in the appendix of this handbook.
Ornamental architectural details such as fluted columns, For all exhibits, contact the FAC for design and approval.
3 . 4 v a ult id e n t i t i e s
Identities for individual groups within vaults are most often etc) and or a printed seal or logo (Fig. 3.4a) Slogans, mottoes,
displayed at main entry doors to the vaults themselves. The quotes or similar are not permitted. All typefaces must be in
materials and configuration of the vault signs shall Helvetica or the alternate Arial to coordinate with all other
coordinate with the existing system already in place. Where core-required and wayfinding building signage.
replacements are required, they shall be done in kind.
8 1/2"
3.4c), and may or may not include a signage insert. preferred. Full-color seals or logos, if used, must be mounted
Allowable content for the signage insert includes the name or screened to the rear of a 1/2" thick clear acrylic unit.
of the occupants of the vault (branch, organization, office, As security and access requirements change, additional
3/4" 3/4"
24
1 3/4"
3/4" 3/4"
1/2" 1 1/4"
1/2" 1 1/4"
8 1/2"
1 1/4"
1 1/4"
3/4" 3/4"
3/4" 3/4"
1 3/4"
3/4" 3/4"
1/2" 1 1/4"
1"
Digitally printed
1/2" 1 1/4"
insert
2 3/4"
1 1/4"
3/4"
1 1/4"
3/4" 3/4"
fig. 3.4a fig. 3.4b
Room number sign details/configurations Room number and seal details/configurations
for Branches & Organizations for Offices, Centers, Divisions, or Directorates
1"
Digitally printed
insert
2 3/4"
the strike edge of the vault room sign and each other (Fig. 3.5a)
Vault Seal
or Logo
in order to maintain an organized and orderly appearance.
Vault Sign
Additional
No additional signage of any sort is permitted at the entry to Devices
5'-0"
25
fig. 3.5a
Room number, seal, and device mounting locations
3 . 5 u n i q u e v a ult c o rrid o r id e n t i t i e s
in combination:
• Accent Band
the use of one (1) large group logo or seal is only permitted
There are specific appropriate locations for the Secondary Logo Location
placement of this element within the corridor (Fig. Primary Logo Location
Fabrication of the logo or seal must also follow all fig. 3.5b
Acceptable areas for large logos or seals
color, material, and typography guidelines laid out in 27
Section 2.6 (page 16) of this handbook.
4"
4" 2" 4" 3 3/4"
5'-0"
5'-0"
Dimensional text
flush-mounted to wall
Times New Roman
typeface
Artifacts and/or Artwork: All artifacts and artwork Framing and mat use must be consistent along the entirety
displayed in vault corridors must be placed within the of an installation, with minimal or no variation in frame face
customization area as defined by Fig. 3.5a, fit within the depth or mat thickness among pieces displayed.
and be mounted at least 6' from any door frame or wall Once the collection of artwork and or artifacts to be
corner. This is to ensure an attractive and cohesive displayed has been determined, the largest piece shall be
appearance to the corridors by minimizing excessive mounted 5'-0" on center above the finished floor. All other
variation in positions and alignments. pieces shall then align to the top and bottom of that piece
All artifacts and artwork shall be enclosed in an appropriate acceptable. Diagonal and scattered mounting configurations are
framing device. All framing materials shall comply with the not acceptable, and minimum clearances between frames must
ALIGN
• Colored, black, cream, ivory, or antique white mats are Art
EQ.
5"
Clearance
2.6, page 15. If wood frames are used, they must be
5'-0"
Application of this colored band may only occur within a
An alternate use for the accent band may be for the applica-
2.6, page 15), and must fully extend between the vertically
a p p r o va l p r o c e s s e s S e c t i o n F o ur
Specific information regarding the approval procedures required for any signage, wayfinding, or visual communication project
within the Headquarters Facility. Includes the contact information for relevant groups and facilities management personnel.
CENTRA L INTE L L IGENCE AGENCY
4 . 1 P r o j e c t a ppr o v a l pr o c e s s 4 . 2 P r o j e c t a ppr o v a l c o n ta c t s
1. Submit three (3) detailed sets of drawings including 1. All projects must be approved by the FAC.
elevations and/or shop drawings of the proposed project
to The FAC prior to any fabrication or installation. Sample
colors and materials must be included or clearly specified
for approval. All Headquarters Facility signage shall be
fabricated and installed by FAC approved vendors.
31
REFERENCE GUIDE S e c t i o n F I V E
References regarding signage and building codes; resources for materials, typography, and finishes
CENTRA L INTE L L IGENCE AGENCY
See Minimum Requirements Summary Sheets I and J for special requirements and exceptions which may be
allowed in alterations and historic preservation. See also ADAAG 4.1.6 and 4.1.7.
Facility Location:
.
4.30.2 Character Do the letters and numbers on such signs have a
Proportion: width to height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1; and a
stroke width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10?
4.30.3 Character Size: Are the characters on such signs sized according to
viewing distance with characters on overhead signs at
least 3 inches high?
4.30.5 Finish: Do the characters and backgrounds on such signs
have a non-glare finish?
Character Size: Are the raised characters on such signs between 5/8
inch and 2 inches high and raised at least 1/32 inch?
Upper Case: Are the raised characters on such signs upper case,
1 of 2 and sans serif or simple serif? 3/4/08 1:33 PM
4.30.5 Finish: Do the characters and background on such signs have
a non-glare finish?
4.30.6 Mounting Are such signs mounted on the wall adjacent to the
Location: latch side of the door? (At double leaf doors, are the
signs placed on the nearest adjacent wall?)
Mounting Are such signs mounted with their centerline 60
Height: inches above the ground surface?
Signage.html
gl a n c e
e
34
Signage.html
08 1:33 PM
5 . 3 li b r a ry o f c o n gr e s s G uid e t o
for materials, and standards for procedures. Make sure the
P r e s e rv at i o n M at t i n g a n d Fr a mi n g frame shop you select follows them. The field of Preserva-
tion is constantly evolving. Be an educated consumer by
To increase the life and enjoyment of your print or pho- keeping abreast of new developments in the preservation
tograph and to save money in the future on conservation techniques and materials used in this field.
treatments, you should invest in appropriate preservation
matting and framing. Reviewing the following information What materials and techniques should be used for mats?
and then interviewing the framer regarding the procedures A mat is made of a series of components, as shown in Fig.
and materials will help you decide. 5.3a. The mat must be constructed to fit the object. Objects
should not be folded or cut to fit a mat/frame package.
What is preservation matting and framing?
It is the appropriate housing to display the intrinsic beauty The most basic guidelines are the following:
and interest of an object, while prolonging its life by secur-
ing the object in a mechanically and chemically stable envi- • Mat /mounting board should be made of cotton rag or
ronment. It minimizes the problems caused by deterioration chemically purified wood pulp and must test negative
of the components of the object itself and other problems for lignin. It should be pH neutral (pH 7) or slightly
introduced by environmental factors such as air pollution, alkaline (pH 8.5). The addition of buffering agents to
heat, light, and humidity. unpurified wood pulp papers does not render them 35
fit for preservation use. Colored board must not bleed
What should I look for in a frame shop? and the color must not rub off or fade. Board used for
There is a growing awareness of preservation issues in the photographic materials must have passed the photo-
field of matting and framing. Indiscriminate use of terms graphic activity test (PAT). Yellowing board suggests
such as "preservation quality" and "archival quality" can be acid degradation and must be replaced to prevent dam-
misleading. However, there are established specifications age to the object.
• Board should usually be a minimum of 4-ply. Six and
8-ply boards provide greater support and deeper win-
dows where needed.
• The object must be kept from contact with glazing ma-
terials. This is particularly important for photographs,
otherwise they may adhere to the glazing. This may be
accomplished with the use of a window mat. Some-
times the planar dimension of an object will necessitate
incorporating spacers in the mat. If a window mat is
not used, spacers must be added along the edges of the
back mat board.
• The window mat should be secured to the back mat
board with water activated linen tape adhered along
one side only. This hinge must prevent the window mat
from sliding around over the object. The object should
not come in contact with the linen tape.
FIG. 5.3a
Matting and Framing Package • The object should be secured in a way which accommo-
dates some expansion and contraction. In most instanc- ene should be placed between the back board and the
es, the object can be hinged with long-fibered Japanese dust cover if the object will hang on an outside wall.
tissue adhered with wheat or rice starch paste. There is
no known pressure-sensitive adhesive suitable for hing- What are safe places to hang or store my framed object?
ing an object. Dry mount and lamination processes and
glues are damaging also. Non-adhesive attachments • Avoid hanging or storing anything in the basement,
-- such as acid-free paper or polyester film corners and attic, or any other place with extremes in temperature
strips -- may be used. and humidity. A stable, cool, dry environment is best.
• Avoid hanging pieces on outside walls, but if you must,
What materials should be used for glazing? request that a moisture barrier be placed in the mat
package.
• Glazing should only be glass or acrylic sheets (e.g. Plexi- • Avoid hanging objects in direct sunlight or any other in-
glas ® , Lucite ® , Perspex® , and Lexan® ). Acrylic tense light source. Control exposure to ultra violet light
sheets are lighter and shatterproof, but develop a static through glazing or placement away from a UV source.
charge, and should not be used with dry, unfixed pas- Occasionally rotate framed objects to cut down on the
tels, charcoals, soft pencil or any other powdery media. duration of light exposure.
The static charge may displace the powdery media. • Avoid hanging framed objects directly above working
• Sunlight and fluorescent lights emit high amounts of fire places or radiators. 36
ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Glass and acrylic can both • The preservation procedures described here have been
be bought with an added UV filtering component to used by the Library of Congress in the care of its col-
reduce the damaging effects from UV. Include UV lections and are considered suitable by the Library as
filtration in the glazing to protect the objet from UV described; however, the Library will not be responsible
radiation. It should be noted that UV filtration does not for damage to your collection should damage result
eliminate the damage caused by visible light. from the use of these procedures.
• Avoid non-glare etched glass; it may have been etched with
acid which may not have been completely neutralized.
5 . 4 m at e ri a l , f i n i s h , a n d t yp o gr a phy
r e s o ur c e s
Pantone
www.pantone.com
Fonts.com
www.fonts.com
Acrylite Acrylic 37
www.cyro.com/methacrylates/us/
NielsenBainbridge Framing
www.nbframing.com