Signage packages for shopping centres bring their own unique set of priorities and challenges. The signage is in a high traffic environment, so it is vital to ensure that the initial ideas and concepts are robust and fit for purpose. The design process is often quite involved - with drawings, samples and prototypes all being part of the development and sign-off process. The working environment, in particular at new-build shopping centres, is a busy one - with many trades operating in the same area at the same time. Detailed forward planning is required to ensure smooth delivery and successful integration without any delays.
We have extensive experience in delivering large-scale signage schemes for some of the UK’s most prominent shopping centre developments. Details follow of two large-scale shopping centre projects we’ve delivered recently:
Silverburn Shopping Centre
Architect: Building Design Partnership (BDP)
Contractor: Bovis Lend Lease
QS: Bovis Lend Lease
MSD, our sign design and wayfinding division, were initially appointed by BDP architects to productionise and value engineer their signage concepts for the branding and wayfinding signage at Silverburn Shopping Centre.
The scope included fingerpost signs, totem signs and LED illuminated architectural letters. The MSD team worked closely with BDP to ensure what we delivered was in keeping with their design vision and the client’s budget.
Following the design phase and tender process, main contractor Bovis Lend Lease awarded the contract to manufacture and install all signage at Silverburn to Merson Signs. This part of the project included the manufacture and installation of 9 and 15 metre high mast signs, all external wayfinding and car park signs, along with the entire multi-storey car park signage scheme.
The end result was a scheme that fulfilled all the client's aspirations for the signage, while delivering it within a previously unachievable contract sum.
We had some extremely positive feedback from many people involved in the project, including Alistair Kell of BDP Architects:
“Merson took a very proactive role in getting the design from concept to being production ready. They managed to do this within budget but without losing the key elements of our design.”
Golden Square Shopping Centre
Architect: Haskoll
Contractor: Bovis Lend Lease
QS: Bovis Lend Lease
Bovis Lend Lease were looking for a company that could take their initial broad-brush concepts for the Golden Square Shopping Centre signage and turn these into fully-resolved, commercially viable designs.
Following an introductory meeting and credentials pitch, our sign design and wayfinding division MSD were appointed to carry out all aspects of the signage design phase, including wayfinding consultancy, scheduling, signage concepts, production engineering, and producing visuals and samples for stakeholder approval.
At the next stage our manufacturing division Merson Signs was contracted to manufacture and install all signage at Golden Square. We began by developing the initial design concepts into fully resolved, production ready signs. There were a number of unique products such as wayfinding totems with incorporated finger-post signs and large illuminated signs, which were developed to look as if they were floating behind the glass at the centre’s main entrance areas.
When it came to the installation, our project teams worked closely with all other trades working on site to ensure there were no hold-ups and each phase was concluded on time. Fortnightly meetings on site in Warrington ensured the project progressed at the required pace and also ensured that all enabling and interface works were carried out at the most cost-effective point in the construction programme.
The completion of the project was the culmination of an 18-month project for Merson Signs. Ian Lynch, Project Manager at Lend Lease Projects commented:
“Your design process has definitely delivered a signage scheme closer to our design aspirations than any other method would have achieved.”
Ian Lynch, Project Manager, Lend Lease Projects
If you’d like to talk to us about your next shopping centre project get in touch today >>
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