Signage for Beauty, Durability and Effectiveness

By Steve Vandyk, KVO Industries, Inc.

 

This circular sign greets and orients visitors entering the Lower Yosemite Falls area of Yosemite National Park. Keeping the theme, other signs in this area use the same porcelain enamel graphic panels that are extremely durable and can even tolerate paint thinner for graffiti cleanup. Photo courtesy of KVO Industries, Inc.

Signs are visual aids that communicate information to the public. The term ?EUR??,,????'??signage?EUR??,,????'?? is used to define signs as any publicly-displayed information that is presented in the form of words, symbols or pictures. As this definition implies, signage covers an extremely broad range of applications. Some examples include directional, wayfinding, informational and interpretive signage to name but a few.

But what makes effective signage? The signage at recently-renovated Lower Yosemite Falls in California is a good example. As with any quality sign program, the process involves careful planning and attention to detail. In the case of the Yosemite National Park project, the signs are one part of a much larger project which involved creating new picnic, educational and shuttle bus areas, protecting stream banks, improving views, building new footbridges and trails, providing unobtrusive visitor amenities and access for the disabled, as well as adding interpretive and directional signage.

This large map sign gives visitors an overview of the area they?EUR??,,????'???re about to explore, helping them choose a route and identify outstanding features. The sign?EUR??,,????'???s enamel surface is best cleaned with standard window cleaner. Photo courtesy of KVO Industries, Inc.

As with any project, budgets need to be established first. The most important thing is to have a clear idea of what is required so that initial budgets are as accurate as possible.

Not only do the materials for this project address these concerns, they are also visually compelling and fit beautifully with the environment. The graphic panels are porcelain enamel. This material not only stands up remarkably well to harmful UV rays, severe winter conditions, flooding and even fire, but also has incredible graphic quality, color and resolution. Bronze was chosen for the decorative sculptural pieces. Corten weathering steel was used for the structural bases and sign frames. This weathering steel is not only extremely durable, but is also very easy to maintain. The steel was finished with a rusted and waxed finish that begins to take on a beautiful patina finish over time.

A solid bronze relief map of the area gives visitors a sense of proportion and distance and lets sight-impaired walkers visualize the dramatic landscape. A solution of soap and water can be used to remove bird droppings or other debris. Photo By Erik Skindrud

The final step was to find a fabricator who could work closely with the designer to bring the project to life. The relationship between the designer and fabricator is extremely important to the success of any project of this scope. In this case, KVO Industries was chosen due to their experience with this type of fabrication. KVO had also worked with Leslie Stone Associates on previous projects including other sign programs at Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park is truly a spectacular place that needs to be preserved for the enjoyment of generations to come. It is appropriate then that the signs telling the history and story of this national treasure be worthy of such a place.