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| An Integrated Signage System is an important intervention at any historic site. The Integrated Signage System proposed by INTACH, Delhi Chapter is designed to facilitate visitors at a heritage site. While its primary aim is to effectively direct, it creates a visual language that cannot be ignored. Like the landscape within which the monument is located, an Integrated Signage System too, gives the heritage site an identity and character. |
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| The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) signed an MOU with INTACH, Delhi Chapter, in October 2009, for the Design, Fabrication and Installation of an Integrated Signage system at 15 ASI protected sites in Delhi. Some of the sites are Firoz Shah Kotla complex, Purana Qila Complex, Hauz Khas, Lodhi Garden, etc. |
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AIM of the INTEGRATED SIGNAGE SYSTEM
The main purpose of an Integrated Signage System at Heritage Sites is to facilitate visitors- local and tourist, pedestrian and vehicular. The Integrated Signage system provides |
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Direction
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easy access to monuments and sites. |
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access to the facilities provided. |
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Information
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about the Heritage and its context |
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about rules and regulations to be followed |
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about facilities and amenities |
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DESIGN PROCESS
The main objective of the Integrated Signage System is clarity of communication. To achieve this, the signage was developed and transmitted in a manner that would be interpreted and understood by all.
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Stage 1: Understanding the Heritage and the signage environment
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History and context of the heritage structure/precinct |
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Major activities of the heritage/precinct |
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Stage 2: Identifying the type of signage required
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Informational/ statuary/ directional |
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Floor mounted/ grouted/ free standing/ hanging |
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Indoors/ outdoors |
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Back lit/ front lit/ not lit |
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Stage 3: Locating the signage
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Identify appropriate locations for the main signage - usually at the entrance
or visible from the main approach road. |
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Identify the places/corners/forks where one needs additional directions to move ahead. |
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Stage 4: Designing the Structure of the signage system
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Structure -Choice of material, colours (fore/background), shapes, textures. |
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Representation of Direction-arrow; pointing finger; |
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Text-typeface, style, font size |
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Representation of facility as visual- symbols, icons, pictograms, etc. |
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Above: Use of appropriate type face and font size.
Right: Culture appropriate pictograms |
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DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
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Monument identification and directional signage is integrated with the overhanging road signage to aid accessibility. |
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A locator map of Delhi with respect to visitor position is proposed at the entrance of each Heritage site. |
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Directional signs within the Heritage site will be positioned in such a way that they indicate clearly the access route to individual monuments and facilities. |
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Information signage will be positioned so that they are easily noticeable and interpretable. Devnagri and English will be used for all information. All the information will be at or around eye level. |
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Facilities will be made accessible and identifiable by using recognizable symbols. |
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Colors of signs contrast with the surrounding, so that they are clearly distinguishable. |
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Textural changes are proposed in the flooring around the signage so that the structure stands out. |
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Signage will be positioned facing north wherever possible to avoid the direct sunlight and away from foliage canopy to ensure unobstructed visibility even in the future. |
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Above: Precinct map with monuments indicated as 3d icons /elevations.
Right: Map of the entire Heritage Precinct |
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| HIERARCHY OF SIGNAGE |
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DIRECTIONAL
I: Overhead Road Signage (plaque to be added to existing structure) |
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| Specifications |
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| Composite Aluminum Panel board with text and image printed on eco-solvent stickers on a vinyl base. |
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| II: Road-Shoulder Signage |
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| To be installed on roads shoulders in order to direct pedestrians and slow moving traffic towards the heritage precinct. The flag will be added to existing signage structure in the city. |
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| Specifications |
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| Composite Aluminum Panel boards with text printed on eco-solvent stickers on a vinyl base. |
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| III – Within the Heritage Complex or Heritage Precinct |
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| Specifications |
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| The signage structure is a combination of sandstone, lathe turned base(600 ht and 200 dia); a stainless steel pipe structure( 4.0 m ht, 1.2 mm thk and 625 mm dia); Composite Aluminum Panel flags (200 mm height and 750 mm length); with images and text printed on eco-solvent stickers on a vinyl base. |
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| INFORMATION BOARDS |
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I - HERITAGE SITE MAP
II- INFORMATION BOARDS |
| Within the Heritage Complex or Heritage Precinct
base. |
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| Specifications |
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| The signage structure is a combination of 2 sandstone, lathe turned bases ( 600 mm ht and 200 mm dia); a stainless steel pipe structure(1500mm ht) ; Composite Aluminum Panel flags (1200 mm width x 900mm height); with images and text printed on eco-solvent stickers on a vinyl base |
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