Merging Form and Function with Architectural Signage in Commercial Interior Design
OCTOBER 29, 2019| SpeedPro Cleveland WestCategories
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OCTOBER 1, 2019| SpeedPro Cleveland West
Over the past few years, there’s been a big change in commercial interior design. Gone are the days when industry leaders focused solely on aesthetics – scoping out the trendiest fixtures, furnishings and color palettes.
In modern commercial design, fundamentals like functionality and structural resilience are more heavily considered than they have been in the past. Strong commercial space design merges form and function, with each design component ultimately tied to a project’s interior design long before the structure breaks ground.
Seamlessly reconciling aesthetics and utility, architectural signage is a key component in the interior design of a comfortable, inviting and visually-appealing commercial space.
Metal, stone, acrylic and other durable architectural signage applications are sturdy enough to withstand years of wear and tear, yet equally eye-catching to elevate any interior environment.
Here’s more on how architectural signage serves a two-pronged purpose in commercial interior design:
FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS FOR FUNCTIONALITY
The primary focus when designing public and private spaces in hospitality settings, offices and other commercial developments has increasingly shifted toward ESG – the environmental, social and governance aspects of a project.
This trend has also prompted all members of the design team – from architects and commercial interior designers to developers and builders – to embrace a solutions-based approach to their projects. With this perspective in mind, each cohesive element in interior design should elevate the environment, while also serving a clear purpose.
With an array of various important functions, architectural signage plays an integral role in strong commercial space design, particularly when it comes to:
- Conveying information – Whether it’s a digital menu board or parking garage map, architectural signage is crucial for conveying important information to clients and other visitors within a commercial space.
- Creating privacy – Architectural signage applications, from wall murals to permanent embellishments, can help provide privacy for conference rooms and executive offices. Etched and frosted glass finishes on walls, doors and windows also help reduce visibility into certain areas without blocking out natural light.
- Wayfinding – Denoting restrooms, exits, meeting rooms and more, architectural signage helps clients and visitors navigate a complex structure and find their way to important areas. Strong visual cues, such as maps, directions and symbols, help create an organized environment and hassle-free experience for visitors.
BEYOND UTILITY: INSIDE THE AESTHETICS OF APPLICATION
Not only does architectural signage serve various important functions in commercial spaces, but it also carries strong aesthetic value that adds a level of interest and innovation to any environment.
Magnetic and glass finishes upgrade traditional commercial spaces, serving as an eye-catching alternative to drab, plaster walls and barriers. By creatively incorporating magnetic and glass finishes on walls and fixtures, designers are able to break up the visual monotony of a space and give it a modern, clean and sleek look.
In a similar vein, digital signage also enhances and modernizes any commercial environment, while subtly showcasing a business’ technology-driven capabilities and commitment to innovation.
Equally striking and sturdy, metal, stone and finished wood applications present additional on-trend design elements in architectural signage.
More designers have been incorporating these natural accents in residential and commercial projects, leveraging unexpected, unique materials and textures to add points of interest within a room. These detailed finishes also successfully merge elements of nature with modern interior design, blending elegant style into commercial space and office aesthetics.