Main design principles derived from the visual preference surveyAttachment A
Main design principles derived from the visual preference
survey.
Proportional size and scale. The scale of signs should be appropriate to the
building façade on which they are placed and the area in which they are located.
The size and shape of a sign should be proportional with the scale of the
structure. Large storefronts such as big boxes should have proportionally larger
signs than smaller storefronts. Signs should not overwhelm the section of the
building façade on which it is placed upon.
Encouraged
Encouraged
Discouraged
Discouraged
Use contrasting colors. Contrast is an important influence on the legibility of
signs. Substantial contrast should be provided between the color and material of
the building background and the letters or symbols to make the sign easier to
read. Light letters on a dark background or dark letters on a light background are
most legible. Earth tone colors for lettering are preferable.
Encouraged
Discouraged
Summary of Main Principles
P&Z Sign Visual Preference Survey
May 28, 2004
1
Avoid using too many colors. Colors or color combinations that interfere with
legibility of the sign copy or that interfere with viewer identification of other signs
should be avoided.
Use a brief message. A brief message should be used whenever possible given
the limit amount of time the vehicle traveling public has to identify and read the
sign. The fewer number of words, the more effective the sign. A sign with a
simple, brief, succinct message is easier to read and looks more attractive
because it is less cluttered.
Encouraged
Discouraged
Integrate signs with the building. Signs should be designed so that they are
integrated with the design of the building. A well designed building facade or
storefront is created by the careful coordination of sign and architectural design,
and a coordinated color scheme. Signs should “fit in” and not appear out of
place or forced. Sign placement and design should be reviewed within the
context of building design.
Encouraged
Discouraged
Summary of Main Principles
P&Z Sign Visual Preference Survey
May 28, 2004
2
Lighting
(a) Internal illumination. Individually illuminated letters, either internally
illuminated or backlighted solid letters are a preferred alternative to internally
illuminated plastic cabinet signs.
(b) Use a projected light source. Signs along roadways with slower moving
traffic or in pedestrian oriented environment should consider illumination by a
projected light source (e.g., spotlight). Projection lighting is usually a better
alternative because the sign will appear to be integrated with the building’s
architecture. Light fixtures supported in front of the sign cast light on the sign and
generally a portion of the building’s face as well. Projected lighting emphasizes
the continuity of the structure’s surface and signs become an integral part of the
facade. This may not always be the case with internal illumination.
Encouraged
Discouraged
Encouraged
Discouraged
Limit the number of letter styles. The number of lettering styles that are used
on a sign should be limited in order to increase legibility. Intricate typefaces and
symbols that are difficult to read reduce the sign’s ability to communicate. In
other words, keep it simple.
Summary of Main Principles
P&Z Sign Visual Preference Survey
May 28, 2004
3
Encouraged Discouraged
Corporate Franchise Signage. Corporate franchise signage should conform to
the community’s visual desires while maintaining some elements of corporate
identity. Corporate logos that do not fit the context, color, scale and building
elements should be discouraged.
Encouraged Discouraged
Building Design. A building should not be designed in a manner or contain
elements that essentially results in the structure functioning as a large sign.
Building design should fit into the context and desires of the community.
Corporate images, colors and designed elements should only be allowed to the
extent they meet the community’s context.
Discouraged
Discouraged
Summary of Main Principles
P&Z Sign Visual Preference Survey
May 28, 2004
4
Shopping Center Monument Signs
a. Freestanding signs are allowed to display a limited number of individual tenant
signs and the name of the center. Multiple message panels make the sign
ineffective in conveying a message and could potentially be a safety hazard.
b. Individual tenant sign panels should be uniform in size. The address, the name
of the center or the major tenant may have a larger sign panel.
c. The sign structure should be architecturally designed and incorporate design
details, materials, and colors of the associated buildings.
d. Sign panels should be limited in size to the width of the architectural support
elements of the sign.
e. Signs should be externally illuminated.
f. The size of the sign should be primarily dependent on the speed of the traffic
viewing the sign and the distance from the roadway.
g. Monument signs should include a landscaping element.
Encouraged
Discouraged
Encouraged
Discouraged
Summary of Main Principles
P&Z Sign Visual Preference Survey
May 28, 2004
5
Summary of Main Principles
P&Z Sign Visual Preference Survey
May 28, 2004
6
ocation and mounting
L .
) Signs should be mounted in locations that respect the design of a building &
) Wall-mounted signs on fascias above storefront windows should be sized to
be
) When a large building contains several storefronts, signs for the individual
(a
site, including the arrangement of bays and openings. Signs should not obscure
windows, (including second story windows), window trim/molding, grillework,
piers, pilasters, and other ornamental features.
(b
fit within existing friezes, lintels, spandrels, and other such features and not
extend above, below, or beyond them. Typically, wall-mounted signs should
centered on horizontal surfaces (e.g., over a storefront opening).
(c
businesses should relate well to each other in terms of locations, height,
proportion, color, and illumination. Maintaining continuity will reinforce the
building’s facade composition while still retaining each business’s identity.
Discouraged Encouraged
Shopping Center Store Signage. Require consistency (color, size, etc.) of
t or
tenant signage in shopping centers. Signs should be designed to complemen
enhance the other signs in the center. Coordinated sign program should be
encouraged.
Encouraged Discouraged
Summary of Main Principles
P&Z Sign Visual Preference Survey
May 28, 2004
7
eon Signs.
N Neon should not be allowed to be displayed in windows or as part
of the signage.
Discouraged
Discouraged
Multi-story corporate offices and hotels. Signs should be limited to
and size monuments signs and possibly a single façade sign of appropriate scale
that identifies the name of the major tenant or building.
Encouraged Encouraged
Encouraged Discouraged