The Catholic University of America Cardinal Station Washington, DC 20064 January 21, 2009 (Revised)
OBJECTIVES The Interior Signage Guidelines for The Catholic University of America are intended to establish a simple and uniform campus standard for the identification of spaces and directional information. This manual describes and specifies the components and outlines the method of implementation of the system. This standard proposes implementing an attractive and efficient graphic image to interior spaces throughout the campus. This is accomplished by utilizing durable devices that offer adaptation flexibility and minimal maintenance. Furthermore, the system's elements shall comply with ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) standards. 1
IMPLEMENTATION Implementation will be based on requests for changes or upgrades to existing system(s) and included in the scope of work for large-scale building projects. Requests for and proposed signage packages shall be submitted to Facilities Planning and Construction for review, coordination and procurement of services for fabrication and installation. Unless signage is included in a capital improvement project, the requesting department will be responsible for costs to install and/ or changes to existing devices specifically serving that department. LOCATION OF DIRECTORIES Directories shall be located in the main entrance lobby or vestibule of each building, positioned for instant recognition and high visibility. Unless otherwise specified, the mandatory header may bear the name of the building (ie:"shahan HALL") or simply "BUILDING DIRECTORY". If space allows, and the name of the building is not indicated on the directory header, space may be allotted on a wall in the lobby as a feature panel bearing the name of the school and/or the name of the building. It is intended that each department have a sub-directory that serves as an extension and is complementary to the Building Directory, located near or adjacent to its administrative office(s), opposite the entrance to an elevator or building's primary stairway. LOCATION OF SIGNS For existing buildings, exact location of the various signage devices shall be determined based on a field survey. However, locations for these and new buildings shall conform to the current jurisdictional building code and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Individual signage devices shall be installed at or near the entrance to each applicable space and, where necessary, along circulation routes for directional information. 2
BUILDING DIRECTORIES The listed principal spaces will be by name and numeral under their respective academic or administrative department. Principal names will include, but are not limited to, those of Dean's, Director's, Chairperson's, Vice-President s and primary or lead Administrative Assistant's. Also, other spaces, such as offices, laboratories, libraries, assembly rooms, within a building that are independent of any department should be listed individually. Sub-directories shall list appropriate personnel/occupants within that department or spatial grouping. Directories shall be unlit, framed with hinged glass door(s) with listings engraved text on interchangeable vinyl strips, sized as specified and contain sufficient space to accommodate current and future listings. For special applications (i.e.: new buildings or major renovations) a directory may be lighted. Under such applications, the directory may include an optional graphic layout of the building's levels with corresponding listings of spaces. DIRECTORY CONSTRUCTION Casing and doorframe shall be extruded aluminum components, mitered and assembled with concealed corner angles. Door(s) shall be mounted on concealed hinges and have a locking device. Frame of door shall house a 3/16-inch clear, tempered glass panel. Unit depth shall be a nominal 1-1/2 inches. Unit format shall consist of ½-inch by required length, ship-lapped, changeable name strips, with minimum ¼-inch, computer generated, upper case lettering. Unit shall have an integral 4-inch header panel. 3
STANDARD SIGN TYPES TYPE I Room Identification Signs These signs denote the room number in fixed, raised text and Grade 2 Braille. Secondary information (department, function, and personnel) shall be engraved text on a changeable vinyl insert. The sign shall provide four slots (windows) to hold the changeable inserts. TYPE II Signs Depicting Fixed Aspects of a Building These signs identify such spaces as exits, stairwell entrances, public restrooms / private bathrooms, conference rooms, libraries, storage, utility rooms, and other spaces established as a fixed function. These signs shall indicate the assigned number and name / function in fixed, raised text and Grade 2 Braille along with appropriate ADA symbols in tactile graphics. No other information is applicable or necessary. TYPE III Directional and Informational Signs These sign types shall be wall mounted either a flat or, where necessary, an overhead flag installation, and located along public access routes such as stairwells, lobbies, vestibules and corridors. Tactile characters are not required. Its purpose is to provide direction to and information for those spaces frequented by visitors but not readily visible. The flag mounted installation shall be 80 inches above the floor and have 3-inch characters. TYPE IV Residence Hall Rooms This sign type denotes each room/suite number only in fixed, raised text and Grade 2 Braille. SIZES TYPES I and II shall be fabricated on a nominal eight-inch square platform. TYPE III on a twelve by eight inch platform Exception: Stairwell Access signs shall be on a platform sized adequately to accommodate the required information. 4
TYPE IV on a four-inch square platform unless special requirements dictate otherwise. NON-STANDARD TYPES These sign types shall be specified as required for spaces and conditions not listed under the Standard Types. SIGN CONSTRUCTION Minimum specifications are as follows: Sign faces shall be 15 mil, matte / scratch resistant film on a 0.125-inch acrylic base. Changeable text inserts shall be 0,010-inch and insert guide rails shall be 0.015-inch thick vinyl strips. Tactile text, graphics and Braille shall be relieved 0.032-inch minimum above the sign face. Signs shall have square edges and corners. Text font shall be upper case (all capitals) "Helvetica Medium" (or other acceptable ADA font) at a height of 1-inch for numerals and 5/8-inch for text. Exceptions: For Resident Halls, TYPE II, private bathrooms and stairwell entrances, provide 1-inch text and numerals. For Stairwell Access, TYPE III, provide 1.5-inch text and a six-inch number to denote floor level in accordance with applicable DC Building Codes. Text and Braille shall be positioned top right for Types I, II (except exits, restrooms/toilets) and IV. Text and characters shall be positioned center-center on all other types. Signage system(s) shall be fully ADA compliant and result in a vandalproof installation SIGN MOUNTING Wall Installation TYPES I, II and III signs shall be affixed to wall using manufacturer s standard, recommended methods. TYPE IV and all other sign Types installed in Residence Halls shall be affixed to an aluminum plate using a silicone adhesive. The plate shall be 12-guage thick, same size (height and width) as the specified sign platform. The plate shall be affixed to the wall with four, countersunk fasteners suitable for secure anchorage to the wall construction. 5
Acceptable manufacturers include but are not limited to: ASI SignSystems Best Manufacturing Sign Systems Bayuk Graphic Systems, Inc. Lettering Specialists, Inc. Mohawk Sign Systems 6