VA Signage Design Guide - Office of Construction & Facilities ...

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Table of ContentsVA Signage Design Guide• Introduction• Acknowledgments• Design Elements Section 1• Need a New Sign Program Section 2• Room Renumbering Section 3• Exterior Signs Section 4• Parking Structure Signs Section 5• Parking Lot Signs Section 6• Mandatory VA Policy Signs Section 7• Code and Life Safety Signs Section 8• Interior Signs Section 9• "You Are Here" Maps and Directories Section 10• Specialty Signs Section 11• Cemetery Signs Section 12• Glossary Section 13• Appendix• Emerging Technologies Appendix 1• Sustainability Appendix 2• Sign Index Appendix 312/2012

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IntroductionThis detailed program guide provides guidelines for the design of signs and signprograms at VA facilities. It provides detail guidance for the development of a signsystem that assists VA customers as they approach the property, locate buildingsand functions within them.Executive SummaryThis VA Signage Design Guide is a revision of the previous Design Guide publishedin February 2005.The revised design guide provides information and suggestions for the developmentof sign programs at Veterans Affairs Facilities. The guide provides detailedguidance for the development of a sign system that assists VA customers and staffas they approach the property, locate buildings and services within the facility.The Signage Design Guide includes revisions, which are the result of new signproducts, new sign manufacturing techniques and materials, regulatory changes,expansion of VA facilities, procedural changes, and practical knowledge gainedfrom field experience. The revision of the guide has been a collaborative effort,with comments and suggestions from VAMC and administration, and VACO programofficials including designers, fire and safety, security and law enforcement,National Cemetery, and Veterans Benefits Administration.The Guide has added new sections to assist VA facilities contemplating small roomrenumbering programs or a complete revision of their existing signage systems.The new sections educate program officials, designers, and planners on identifyingthe need for a signage program and steps on interviewing and selecting a qualifiedenvironmental graphic design firm. The sections also include an in-depth guide forparking lots and parking structures signage.The following are highlights of both the updated sections and the new sections thathave been added:Updated Sections• Proper/Improper use of VA Seal/Signature.• Interior sign types and their specification, layout, construction, and installationguidelines. Along with new interior sign products and expanded sign typefamilies.• Exterior sign types and their specifications, layout and construction. New signproducts, expanded sign type families and new illumination methods.• Expanded exterior building mounted marquee signs (both illuminated andnon-illuminated).• Mandatory VA policy signs containing specific text, layout, size, placement,and location requirements that cannot be altered.• Added Specialty Signs including construction site signs, construction sitesafety sign, banners, memory boxes, freestanding sanitizing stations signsplus others.• An expanded Code and Life Safety signs section with additional pictorials forinstallation of stairwell signs and those surrounding it.• A greatly expanded wayfinding discussion in both the interior and exterior signsections• Expanded campus/site plan design/layout options12/2012

Introduction• Expanded “Need a Sign Program” chapter• Expanded “Room & Floor Renumbering” chapter• New signs added to Mandatory “VA Policy Signs by Directive”• Additional options have been added to the monument sign design.• Various topics within the sections were revised to include more informationand details.• Within sections new subjects have been added on how to review shop drawingsand submittals, how to select the correct type of sign company.• New colors for exterior and interior signs have been provided along with updatedcolors for parking lot and parking structures.• An expanded section discussing room renumbering and floor renumbering.• Additional subjects that were revised include “Tips and Hints” and“Construction and Assembly Details”.New Sections• A section on Your Are Here Maps and Directories.• A section on Parking Lot Signs• A section devoted to National Cemetery Signs.• A glossary of terms used in the sign industry• A new section titled, “Emerging Sign Technologies” provides an overview ofconceptual developments toward the use of new products and technology. Thesection also discusses applications of new technologies.The revised VA Signage Design Guide is a living document that will be periodicallyupdated. When changes do occur, “Design Alerts” will be e-mailed with theincluded changes.The VA Signage Design Guide incorporates guidelines from ABAAS, ABA/ADAand NFPA.Lloyd H. Siegel, FAIA Associate, Director, Strategic Management OfficeOctober 201212/2012

AcknowledgmentsDepartment of VeteransAffairsThis Program Guide for the Department of Veterans Affairs has involved work and inputfrom many departments, individuals and VA Medical Centers. The followinidentifies theparticipants and acknowledges their contributions.Veterans Health AdministrationChrista FairchildInterior DesignerVAMC HuntingtonDesiree Lee, LEED APInterior DesignerVAMC Kansas CityKeith FrostSecurity Specialist / Team LeaderVA OSP / Office of Securityand Law EnforcementKatie WillisInterior DesignerVAMC DallasDavid P. Klein, P.E.Fire Protection EngineerVA Central OfficeOffice of Construction & Facilities ManagementOrest BurdiakPrincipal Interior DesignerFei Chan (Linda), AIAPlanner / ArchitectVeterans Benefits AdministrationSamuel Gyulnazarian, AIA, IIDA, LEED BD+C®Architect, Project ManagerNational Cemetery AdministrationPeggy JensenArchitect / Project ManagerAlejandra De La TorreArchitectNancy Zivitz SussmanManagement & Program AnalystDesign ConsultantsKAL ArchitectsRita Kalwani, AIA, NCARB, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C®Principal, Project ManagerJennifer Hanscome, CID, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C®Senior Interior DesignerMark Niese, AIA, CSI, CDT, ACIA, LEED AP BD+C®Technical SupportAnne Blomberg, CID, LEED Green Associate®Technical SupportSolsis LLCBill EnglundPrincipalFran KalbfeldEnvironmental Graphic DesignerSarah BraunEnvironmental Graphic DesignerRobin EckertEnvironmental Graphic DesignerMark EnglundEnvironmental Graphic Designer12/2012

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DesignElements• Typography• Letterspacing• Logo Signature• Seal• Arrow• ABA/ADA Specifications• Colors• Images and Patterns• Languages• Metric12/2012

ComponentsDesign ElementsThe Department of Veterans Affairs signage system has been designed using aselected group of common design elements and visual standards.The design elements include the Department of Veterans Affairs logo signatureand seal, three versions (weight and style) of the Helvetica typeface and specificationsfor letter and word spacing. Visual standards include: colors, finishes, and lettersize in relation to viewing distance.The design elements become the component building blocks upon which signs areconfigured. The elements have been adopted to provide functional consistency insigns for the Department of Veterans Affairs.If specialized or unique sign applications require deviation from the signage guide,contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Construction & FacilitiesManagement for approval as required.12/2012 Page 1-1-1

ComponentsDesign ElementsInterline SpacingInterline spacing will generally benoted on sign type drawings. As arule, line spacing shall be no lessthan 1/2 the height of the uppercase letter form.x1/2xMmMmParagraph SpacingParagraph spacing will generallybe noted on sign type drawings. Asa rule, paragraph spacing shall beno less than the height of the uppercase letter form.xxMmMmMmMmAlignmentA flush upper left copy format shallbe the general rule though certainexceptions shall be noted.x*As a rule, all copy placed on inserts,changeable directional modules,listing strips, overhead panels, andchangeable exterior panels shall bevertically centered, (equal marginstop and bottom) Graphic symbolsused in square format shall becentered on four sides.x*Text Line OneText Line TwoX - Dimensions vary per sign type.See Sign Type Drawings for exact dimensions12/2012 Page 1-1-3

ComponentsDesign ElementsLogo SignatureThe VA has developed a new logo/signature for use in signage. Youwill note that the name is also nowpresented differently.The new logo and name signaturereplaces the old logo and namepresentation effective immediately.The old logo may remain in use inand on existing signs, but all newsigns shall incorporate the newlogo/ signature.Adjacent are its application in ahorizontal format and a verticalformat. These are the only formatsto use for signs. Do not use theformat/art from the VA GraphicStandards that incorporate the VAseal.The master art for the newlogo/signature for signage isavailable as an electronic file, fordownloading, in the TechnicalInformation Library.U.S. Departmentof Veterans AffairsNOTE: The master art andtypography shall not be altered.The font, the size relationshipbetween the elements, and theletter spacing for the “VA” and “U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs”name, shall remain as presentedin the master art. The ruled line isconsidered a part of the master artand shall not be moved or deleted.New VA BlueThe VA has selected Pantone 541as the new standard color. TheCMYK values are as follows:C: 100 M: 60 Y: 0 K: 40New VA BluePantone 541C: 100 M:60 Y:0 K:4012/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1-1-4

ComponentsDesign ElementsSealThe illustrated VA Seal is new.There are specific requirementsregarding its use and reproductionin both the full color version andone color version. Consult the VAGraphic Standards for completedetails regarding the seal.NOTE: In regard to signage, theseal is NOT to be used. It is not tobe altered, stylized or treated as anaccent element in signs.It’s use remains as before, to bedisplayed within a buildings entryor lobby and reproduced per thespecifications and art exhibited inthe VA Graphic Standards.ArrowIllustrations show the prescribedarrow for use in the VA signprogram.The arrow is always centeredwithin a square field.POSITION 1 POSITION 2POSITION 3POSITION 4 POSITION 5Arrow Alignment with TextThe arrow is always positioned insuch a manner that it is centered inrelationship to the capital letter thatit precedes. The standard positionfor arrows, in relationship to text, iseither on the left of the first line oftext or immediately above the firstline of text.On signs with numerousdestinations, a single arrow will beplaced adjacent to the first line oftext to identify the direction for alldestinations grouped together.The arrow size is one and one half(1 1/2) times the capital letterheight.1.5 xEQ. EQ.Text Line1 /3" Cap HeightText Linex12/2012 Page 1-1-5

ADADesign ElementsArchitectural Barriers ActTactile Sign SpecificationsCharacter SpecificationsCharacters shall be sans serif, allcapitals, and shall not be italic,bold, script or highly decorative.Characters and Braille shall be in ahorizontal format. Character heightshall be 5/8" minimum and 2"maximum, depending on viewingdistance (see Table 703.5.5 in "ABAAccessibility standards for federalfacilities").Character stroke thickness of theuppercase letter “I” shall be 15%maximum of the height of thecharacter.Character spacing to be 1/8"minimum and four times thecharacter stroke width maximum.3/8" Minclear space2" Max height5/8” Min height3/8" Minclear spaceApprox 1/4"3/8" Minclear space3/8" Minclear space1/8" MinLetter SpacingCLEANUTILITYClean UtilityFront ViewCopyBraille3/8" Minclear spaceBaseline SpacingLine spacing to be 135% minimumand 170% maximum of the letterheight.3/8" Minclear space1/8" MinLetter Spacing3/8" Minclear spaceCharacters shall be separated fromraised borders and decorativeelements by 3/8" minimumCharacters shall be raised 1/32"minimum above their background.Characters to be used shall beselected from styles where the widthof the uppercase letter “O” is 55%minimum and 110% maximum basedon the height of the uppercase letter“I”.3/8" Minclear space2" Max height5/8” Min height3/8" Minclear spaceApprox 1/4"3/8" Minclear spaceFront ViewA-2578A-2578BrailleCopyPictogramsPictograms shall have a field heightof 6". Characters and Braille shallnot be located within the pictogramfield. Pictogram text descriptionsto be located directly below thepictogram field.Finish & ContrastCharacters and their background tohave a non-glare finish. Charactersshall contrast with their backgroundwith either light lettering on a darkbackground or dark letters on alight background.6"GeneralWhere both visual and tactilecharacters are required, either onesign with both visual and tactilelettering or two separate signs, onewith visual, one with tactile letteringshall be provided.Raised letters to be read by touchshould not have sharp or abrasiveedges.12/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1-1-6

ADADesign ElementsArchitectural Barriers ActTactile Sign Specification.100.300BrailleShall be contracted, (Grade 2).See measurements shown at right.Braille dots shall have a domed orrounded shape.The indication of an uppercaseletter or letters shall only be usedbefore the first word of sentences,proper nouns and names, Individualletters of the alphabet, initials, andacronyms.Braille shall be positioned belowthe corresponding text. If text ismulti-lined, Braille shall be placedbelow the entire text. Braille shallbe separated 3/8" minimum fromany other tactile letters and 3/8"from raised borders..100.400Braille SpecificationsRaised dotNo raised dotIndividual cellBlank cellbetween words.025.063Raised BrailleExceptionBraille provided on elevator carcontrols shall be separated by3/16" minimum and shall be locatedeither directly below or adjacentto the corresponding raised lettersand symbols.LocationWhere a tactile sign is provided ata door the sign shall be locatedalongside the door at the latch side.Where a tactile sign is provided atdouble doors with one active leafthe sign shall be located on theinactive leaf. With two active leafsthe sign shall be located to theright of the right hand door. Wherethere is no wall space at the latchside of a single door or at the rightside of double doors, signs shallbe located on the nearest adjacentwall. Signs containing Tactilecharacters shall be located so thata clear floor space 18" minimumby 18" minimum centered on theTactile characters is proposedbeyond the arc of any door swingbetween the closed position and 40degrees open position.Plan ViewAREA OFREFUGEarea of refuge18" wide availablearea fortactile signageAREA OFREFUGEarea of refuge48"Min60"MaxTactile lettering on signs shall belocated 48" minimum above thefinish floor or ground surface,measured from the baseline of thelowest tactile character and 60"maximum above the finish flooror ground surface, measured fromthe baseline of the highest tactilecharacter.Elevation12/2012 Page 1-1-7

ADADesign ElementsArcitectural Barriers ActRequirementsCane SweepObjects with leading edges morethan 27 inches (686 mm) and notmore than 80 inches (2129 mm)above the finish floor or groundmay protrude 4 inches (102 mm)maximum horizontally into thecirculation path.4" (102 mm)EXCEPTION: Handrails shall bepermitted to protrude 4 1/2 inches(114 mm) maximum.Protrusion LimitsWhen a cane is used and theelement is in the detectable range,it gives a person sufficient timeto detect the element with thecane before there is body contact.Elements located on circulationpaths, including operable elements,must comply with requirements forprotruding objects. For example,awnings and their supportingstructures cannot reduce theminimum required verticalclearance. Similarly, casementwindows, when open, cannotencroach more than 4 inches (102mm) into circulation paths above 27inches (686 mm).4"(102 mm)4"(102 mm)Post MountedProtruding ObjectsFree-standing objects mountedon posts or pylons shall overhangcirculation paths 12 inches (305mm) maximum when located 27inches (686 mm) minimum and80 inches (2129 mm) maximumabove the finish floor or ground.Where a sign or other obstruction ismounted between posts or pylonsand the clear distance between theposts or pylons is greater than 12inches (305 mm), the lowest edgeof such sign or obstruction shallbe 27 inches (686 mm) maximumor 80 inches (2129 mm) minimumabove the finish floor or ground.27"(686 mm)4" (102 mm)4" (102 mm)80"(2029 mm)EXCEPTION: The sloping portions ofhandrails serving stairs and rampsshall not be required to comply.27"(686 mm)4" (102 mm)12/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1-1-8

ColorsDesign ElementsSign ColorsThe chart and accompanyingillustrations provide a listing of signcolors that allow a medical centerto coordinate an interior or exteriorsign program to the architecturalcolors and finishes of the buildingson the campus.The color options listed have beenselected because they providecontrast between typography andthe sign background; the contrastshall be light on dark or dark on light.Night and day light conditions forexterior signs can vary, therefore,readability should be field verifiedwith actual color samples.High contrast for readability is equallyimportant for interior signs, especiallyfor the elderly and vision impaired.Light background colors require blackor dark gray text and deep or darkcolors require white text.If a facility deviates from theidentified family of colors, sufficientcontrast between the typography andsign background under all lightingsituations shall be maintained.Placement, type of light fixture,sodium and halide lights, warmand cool fluorescent lights can alsochange colors and affect contrast, sothis needs to be taken into account.Some colors listed can be usedfor both interior and exteriorapplications and are so indicated.There are however certain colorsthat should not be used for interioror exterior signs because of theirunsuitability or because they are onlyfor special applications.ABA Sign ColorsGenerally, ABA related signageshall consist of white text and/orfigures on a blue background, blueshall be equal to color no. 15090 inFederal Standard 59513; white isnot defined in the ABA standards.VA may approve other colorsto complement decor or uniquedesign.TextBackgroundAccentTextBackgroundPostsU.S. Departmentof Veterans AffairsU.S. Departmentof Veterans Affairs12/2012 Page 1-1-9

ColorsDesign ElementsFor exterior signs use the chart atright to select a background colorand a type color.The paint colors listed are acrylicpolyurethne paint systemsmanufactured by the following twocompanies. These are commonlyused in the sign industry:Exterior Sign Background ColorsColorRef #B1B2Color DescriptionDrakeWells Fargo BlackTextColorWhiteWhiteMatthews # Azko Nobel #MP05732 SIGNM05732MP26309 SIGNM26309Matthews Paint760 Pittsburg DriveDelaware, OH 43015www.matthewspaint.comAkzo Nobel5555 Spaulding DriveNorcross, GA 30092www.akzonobel.comNote: Always obtain color samplesfrom the paint company. Colorsshown are for representationalpurposes only. The actual paintcolors may vary significantly fromthe corresponding swatchesindicated in this document. Colorswill appear differently when viewedon different computer monitors and/or printed from different printers.For a true color sample, it is bestto obtain an actual paint sample ofthe desired color.All traffic sign faces should use theprescribed colors as listed in theManual for Uniform Traffic ControlDevices.All OSHA Safety Colors are to meetANSI specification Z53.1/OSHA.B3B4B5B6B7B8B9B10B11B13B14B16B17B18B19B20Lime PeelMarinated OliveBear CreekKaffe TanIndian Throne BlueDjbouti Flag BlueMudstoneBrown CountyBlue NewsClaret JugAsgard WallHandicapped BlueRed (OSHA)New VA BlueYellow (OSHA)WhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteBlackBlack,Red, PurpleMP12444MP15975MP07050MP03290MP10261MP10273MP00547MP04991MP05040MP10658MP05480MP26511MP09251MP09829MP09144MP32071SIGNM12444SIGNM15975SIGNM07050SIGNM03290SIGNM10261SIGNM10273SIGNM00547SIGNM04991SIGNM05040SIGNM10658SIGNM05480SIGNM26511SIGNM09251SIGNM09144SIGNM09829SIGNM32071B19 - White can be paint, white opaque vinyl application or translucent white vinyl application forilluminated signsAdditional Colors for Trims, Accents, Posts & BracketsA1Dark Bronze AnodizedA4Polished AluminumA2BlackA5Satin AluminumA3Clear Anodized AluminumB17 Background colorB20 Text colorA5 Trim colorU.S. Departmentof Veterans AffairsBaltimore VA Medical CenterVA Maryland Health Care SystemVA Capitol Health Care NetworkB13 Background colorB20 Text colorA5 Trim color12/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1-1-10

ColorsDesign ElementsFor parking garage signs, vinyl colorswill be applied to either white orone of the other paint colors listedin the chart at right. The colors andtheir respective numbers listed in thechart.The paint colors listed are acrylicpolyurethne paint systemsmanufactured by the following twocompanies:Matthews Paint760 Pittsburg DriveDelaware, OH 43015www.matthewspaint.comAkzo Nobel5555 Spaulding DriveNorcross, GA 30092www.akzonobel.comThe vinyl colors listed arepremium high performance vinylsmanufactured by the following twocompanies:Avery Dennison Graphics andReflective Products Division250 Chester Street, Building 6Painesville, Ohio 440773M Graphics Market Center3M Center, Bld 2002-12-E-04St. Paul, MN 55144Note: Always obtain color samplesfrom the paint company. Colorsshown are for representationalpurposes only. The actual paintcolors may vary significantly fromthe corresponding swatchesindicated in this document. Colorswill appear differently when viewedon different computer monitors and/or printed from different printers.For a true color sample, it is bestto obtain an actual paint sample ofthe desired color.Parking Structure & Parking Lot Sign ColorsColorRef #B30B31B32B33B34B35B36B38B39B40B41ColorDescriptionPurple PrintGravity TractorWells FargoBlackModena MudSailboat BlueAnole GreenAntartica OrangeAqua RivaRose EssenceWhite WonderShell OilMatthewsPaint #MP02112MP10844MP26309MP00607MP02160MP13427MP01229MP14879MP15170MP32071MP05585Paint ColorsAzkoNobel #SIGNM02112SIGNM10844SIGNM26309SIGNM00607SIGNM02160SIGNM13427SIGNM01229SIGNM14879SIGNM15170SIGNM32071SIGNM05585Vinyl Text Colors3M # Avery #Purple7725-48Tomato Red7725-13Black7725-22Saddle Brown7725-139Vivid Blue7725-17Apple Green7725-196Light Orange7725-54Teal7725-96Magenta7725-103White7725-10Sunflower7725-25LavenderA9475-0Tomato RedA9325-0BlackA9090-0CocoaA9278-0Vivid BlueA9570-0Apple GreenA9660-0OrangeA9160-0Real TealA9615-0MagentaA9411-0WhiteA9005-0Med. YellowA9130-0Additional Colors for Trims, Accents, Posts & BracketsA1Dark Bronze AnodizedA4Polished AluminumA2BlackA5Satin AluminumA3Clear Anodized AluminumP33 Paint background colorP40 Vinyl text colorA5 Trim ColorLevelElevators5P34 Paint background colorP34 Vinyl text colorP40 Vinyl text colorP40 Paint background color12/2012 Page 1-1-11

ColorsDesign ElementsAccentTextBackground2A2442A244BracketBackgroundTextCardiacInterventionUnitTextBackgroundFireDoorKeep closedat all times.12/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1-1-12

ColorsDesign ElementsFor interior signs use the chart to theright to select a background colorand a type color.The paint colors listed are acrylicpolyurethne paint systemsmanufactured by the following twocompanies:Matthews Paint760 Pittsburg DriveDelaware, OH 43015www.matthewspaint.comAkzo Nobel5555 Spaulding DriveNorcross, GA 30092www.akzonobel.comNote: Always obtain color samplesfrom the paint company. Colorsshown are for representationalpurposes only. The actual paintcolors may vary significantly fromthe corresponding swatchesindicated in this document. Colorswill appear differently when viewedon different computer monitors and/or printed from different printers.For a true color sample, it is bestto obtain an actual paint sample ofthe desired color.Interior Sign Background ColorsColorRef #B1B2B3B8B10B28B29B31B33B34B35B16B17B18B30B32B21B22B23B24B25B26B27B19B20Color DescriptionDrakeWells Fargo BlackLime PeelDjibouti Flag BlueBrown CountyOrange CountySpice TraderGloomy GrayFresh FieldsPlum CrazyAntwerp BlueHandicapped BlueRed (OSHA)New VA BlueSpruce PineBaby Boy BlueGarbo SilverClintonite GreenOld Copper RoofFoie GrasWinter SlushToasty GoldCorn SilkYellow (OSHA)WhiteTextColorWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteWhiteBlackBlackBlackBlackBlackBlackBlackBlackBlackBlackBlack,Red, PurpleMatthews # Azko Nobel #MP05732 SIGNM05732MP26309 SIGNM26309MP12444 SIGNM12444MP10273 SIGNM10273MP04991MP07869SIGNM04991SIGNM07869MP02795 SIGNM02795MP10124MP11532MP04400MP03362MP26511MP09251MP09144MP13106SIGNM10124SIGNM11532SIGNM04400SIGNM03362SIGNM26511SIGNM09251SIGNM09144SIGNM13106MP00344 SIGNM00344MP02650 SIGNM02650MP14762 SIGNM14762MP03397 SIGNM03397MP04685 SIGNM04685MP04982 SIGNM04982MP05322 SIGNM05322MP11392 SIGNM11392MP09829MP32071SIGNM09829SIGNM32071Additional Colors for Trims, Accents, Posts & BracketsA1Dark Bronze AnodizedA4Polished AluminumA2BlackA5Satin AluminumA3Clear Anodized Aluminum25286B3 Background colorB20 Text color25286B20 Text color12/2012 Page 1-1-13

ImagesDesign ElementsIntegration of Images andPatterning with SignageVisual iconography, such as imagesand patterns, can be incorporatedinto the design of both interior andexterior signage systems. Theirinclusion can add visual interest,unify, or differentiate, signs relatedto specific areas of a buildingand/or campus. Imagery shouldbe thematically cohesive andintegrated in a consistent mannerthroughout the sign program.Imagery can be cut from vinyl,screened, painted, etched or appliedas a vinyl or laminated digital print.RESTROOMRestroomReceptionistSurgeryImagery should be visually ofsecondary importance to messagingand not distract or conflict withreadability of sign.Example shows possible use of a repeating pattern as visual texture, in this case the texture hasbeen applied to separate substrate behind the sign panel.ReceptionistRESTROOMRestroomReceptionistSurgerySurgeryRESTROOMRestroomExample shows integration of photographic imagery. Example also illustrates the use different imagesrelated to a common theme. This approach can be useful when implementing a sign system in a facilitywhere different areas of that facility have been assigned different color and material palettes.Glass or Acrylic with either etchedgraphic or application of translucent film tosimulate appearance of etched glassReceptionistRESTROOMRestroomSurgeryExample shows graphic as silhouetted images. This example illustrates a subtle approach to integrationof imagery/patterning12/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1-1-14

LanguageDesign ElementsSecond LanguageIn facilities in the United States,the English text is listed above thesecond language text. The capheight and interline spacing of thesecond language text are half thecap height and interline spacingof the English text, unless notedotherwise (see sign type drawingsfor specific dimensions).In facilities in the Puerto Rico, theSpanish text is listed above theEnglish text and the cap height andinterline spacing of the English textare half the cap height and interlinespacing of the Spanish text, unlessnoted otherwise.XY1/2 Y 1/2 XMargin4454444544Soiled UtilitySuplidos UsadosEnglishTextSecondLanguageSign used in U.S FacilityMargin4454444544XY1/2 Y 1/2 XSuplidosLimpiosClean UtilitySpanishTextEnglishTextSign used in Facility in Puerto Rico12/2012 Page 1-1-15

MetricDesign ElementsMetricThe metric system is the preferredsystem of measurement inaccordance with the MetricConversion Act of 1975, P.L. 94-168, as amended by Section5164 of Omnibus Trade andCompetitiveness Act of 1988, andExecutive Order 12770.In accord with the Department ofVeteran Affairs metric conversionplan, the sign system is preferablyto be constructed in metric,however, the English system canbe used on VA projects, if it meetsthe needs of a specific facility.The use of metric should not addcost to a project and “off the shelf”metric sign systems are preferred.Inches1 /32"1 /16"3 /32"1 /8"3 /16"1 /4"5 /16"3 /8"7 /16"1 /2"9 /16"5 /8"Nearest1 mm(1/25")12235681011131416Nearest5 mm(1/5")Nearest5 mm(2/5")1"=25mmEXACTLYThe VA does not intend to imposerigid metric conversions on thesign industry and will support signmanufacturers as their industryconverts to the metric standard.For assistance in transitionto metric, the drawings withdimensions should be preparedshowing direct metric Englishconversion. While typography isgenerally referred to in the graphicindustry by point sizes and thesign industry in inches, the VA signprogram is showing text layoutsdeveloped in inches and thendirectly converted to metric. It ispreferred, however, that metricdimensions be rounded up tothe nearest 1 mm up to 1 inch; 5mm up to 4 inches; and, above4 inches rounded down to thenearest 25 mm.3 /4"7 /8"1"1 1 /4"1 1 /2"1 3 /4"2"2 1 /4"2 1 /2"2 3 /4"3"3 1 /4"3 1 /2"3 3 /4"4"5"6"1922253238445157647076838995102127152253040455055657075859095100125150100130150100125150The adjacent conversion chartshould provide assistance indetermining conversions frominches to millimeters.For further information on theconversion to metric, contact theDepartment of Veteran Affairs,Office of Construction & FacilitiesManagement.7"8"9"10"11"1'-0"2'-0"3'-0"1782032292542793056101802052302552803056109151802002302502803006109101752002252502753006009004'-0"1220122012005'-0"1525152015006'-0"1830183018007'-0"8'-0"2135244021302440210024009'-0"27452740270010'-0"30503050300015'-0"45704570450020'-0"60956100600012/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1-1-16

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