In today’s world of instantaneous urbanisation, everybody is accustomed to lavish signs informing about our surroundings. As every one of us sees and accesses signing systems almost everywhere, while driving to workplaces or shopping malls or parking lot and looking for correct lift lobby leading to cinema, here is an interesting and equally impressive project which New Delhi-based VersionAbsolute Design Studio (VADS) has recently completed for way-finding sign and design systems around the township of Alpha International City (AIC) Karnal located on NH1 in Haryana.
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It is certainly a different story when it comes to signing in residential development. The tactic is usually the addressing system that is highlighted and that too at the address itself. The navigation signs leading to the address have traditionally been non-existent. What all commuters normally see when entering a gated apartment complex or a plotted development is simply a site map (which may turn out to be barely readable as it has never maintained) and lane signs. As strangers visiting such surroundings, it will not be enough to guide them destinations out of it. There are certain requirements which have factored while designing a way-finding signage system in VADS way.
Client’s profile
AIC Karnal is a 141-acre plotted development prominently covering Sector 28 and 29 of HUDA on NH 1 in Karnal or more precisely, this world-class integrated township is located between Delhi and Chandigarh on Grand Trunk Road. Designed to integrate all the comforts, amenities and infrastructure prerequisites of international urban lifestyle, the township offers an ideal environment for living. VADS was assigned to design for a signing system that will be allowing for easy changes in the information requirements of the development, resilient to climate.
Branding tools
In addition to signs being used only as a tool for identification and navigation around the township of AIC, VADS increasingly implemented them as a tool for branding. Signs extend brand to physical realm and a well-designed signing system reassures the users or prospective buyers care for their wellbeing. But some FAQs here! What is a well-designed signing system? Is it one that looks attractive? Is it one that navigates onlooker to and from the various destinations within that development? In the experiences of VADS, it is all of the above and much more. It is a comprehensive response to the informational needs of the various users of that environment while leveraging the brand and its salient points.
Methods & materials
Along with the developer Alpha G Corp, VADS worked on branding AIC Karnal in which this design firm’s solution was to design signs on MS section and slotted angels, 202 grade SS,
composite aluminum sheets and vinyl. The design of the structure allowed easy addition and alterations to the information panels.
While designing the signs, VADS team considered aspects such as addressing system, speed of traffic with respect to the width of the internal roads,
entry and exit markers, typeface legibility, etc to arrive at a design solution that is both functional and aesthetic. The AIC brand has been integrated into the signs.
Level 1 signs: On the main 45 metre wide sector roads, Level 1 signs are used for navigating to primary destinations such as sectors and amenities.
The exit information was colour coded keeping in mind the highway colour codes while the residential addressing information was designed to be distinct than the other amenities.
Existing street lighting poles are used to display such signs.
Level 2 signs: On internal nine metre roads, directional sign highlights sector address and directs to the nearby addresses and destinations. Provision has been kept in the design of signs for the display of messaging promoting civic sense amongst the users. All level signs display the speed limit that should be observed while driving within the development.
Directory & branding: In order to make it standout, AIC logo has been constructed in aluminum sheet and painted to match the colours. It is a hollow illuminated sign with embedded LED as a source of illumination.
Park signs: Parks in AIC have been named after the predominant species of planting within the parks. VADS has incorporated information about the species within the design of its signs, which is the design firm’s unique way of informing and educating the interested.
About VersionAbsolute Design Studio
Based out of New Delhi, VersionAbsolute Design Studio (VADS) is one of the leading design consultancy firms engaging in the process of conceptualisation, strategising, design and development of solutions for a given environment. This firm believes in adhering to the evolutionary and exciting, encompassing a range of design activities from architecture, interior designs to communication designs in the built environments. VADS intends to provide a cohesive and a comprehensive design solution for the clients, from architecture/retail interior designs to graphic designs, often combining both the disciplines to value-add to the required products.
For more information, log on to: www.versionabsolute.com
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