Wayfinding & Inspirational Signage Hatch End High School
The Brief
We all need an image upgrade every now and then. A new look that represents our new direction.
Following their rebrand, Hatch End High School in Harrow, London, needed to upgrade their signage. Their large site made navigation tricky, and their brand new 6th Form building needed a little character.
Take a look at the Butler transformation.
Survey
We began with an initial consultation of spec and ideas. This paved the way for identifying key locations across the campus and school site for signage, as well as areas for inspirational signage. We agreed that the large blank walls would be perfect for this!
We created a site map and marked up the spots for wayfinding signage to be installed.
Design Specification
Wayfinding
We started off by formalising the site map and building layout, and plotting locations for key signs. Externally, we decided on oversized identification panels for each building and a finger post system at the centre of the site.
Internally, wayfinding panels would be placed at key junctions within each building.
We got to work and created the sign family. It is crucial for staff, students and visitors to easily identify the block they’re in, so the block letter is the largest element on the sign making it impossible to miss. Next, to ensure easy wayfinding in each block, we used a sans serif font in sentence case in white against a dark background, ensuring maximum legibility.
We chose the simplest design for the arrows on the signs, keeping them clear and concise. Being mindful about integrating the school’s brand without hindering the legibility of the wayfinding elements, we chose a small logo at the bottom centre of each sign and a subtle but recognisable watermark in the background.
Inspirational
A strategy to inspire students was decided in an ideas generation workshop at Butler, we would use large photographs or illustrations with overlaid quotes. We identified quotes to inspire great attitudes towards learning, ambition and work ethic.
Dynamic photographs were chosen to reflect the sentiment of the quotes. The font we used is consistent with the school’s branding.
“We identified quotes to inspire great attitudes towards learning, ambition and work ethic.”
Material Choice
Wayfinding Signage
Owing to how lightweight and durable it is, we chose aluminium composite for the wayfinding panels.
Laminate was applied to protect the print and make it long-lasting, and a matt finish gives the panels a modern look. This also prevents any reflections from internal lights. The use of our GMG Colour Server ensured consistent colour.
For more on how we harness this impressive technology, read our blog on the importance of colour matching.
Finger Posts
Powder coated aluminium was the clear winner here, because of how extremely durable and hard wearing it is. We manufactured modular finger panels, with 360 degrees of rotation on each plank.
Inspirational Signage
We used textured high tack wallpaper here that is highly scratch resistant. The wallpaper has high resolution print and a matt finish, so there is no glare.
Installation
We coordinated with the school to complete the installation during the holiday period, causing no disruption to staff or students. Our highly skilled installation team worked to the agreed spec, liaising with the site authority for final sign placement and finger post directions.
We carried out a thorough scan of the ground before we started any groundworks. On the large inspiration walls we carried out appropriate surface preparation, including adhesion tests. True to form, the installation was completed right on time.
Looking for a transformation of your own? Call Butler today.
