12. DRAFT - DHA FE Wayfinding Guidelines-Signage Standards (Draft)_01Mar22.pdf

Wayfinding Guidelines and Signage Standards for

MHS Facilities

Disclaimer:

Reference herein to any specific company, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation or favoring by the Defense Health Agency. Signage & Wayfinding designs displayed in this Interior Design Guide are provided as a procurement resource to be used in conjunction with UFC-3-120-01. While the designs contained within this Signage & Wayfinding section vary from the UFC-3-120-01, they are found to have met the required standards set forth within the ABAAS and/or the UFAS. The Defense Health Agency has received no financial consideration, services, materials or endorsements from owners, agents, representatives, and/or parties holding interests of identified items listed.

INTERIOR SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital Architects: HKS | Clark/McCarthy team

Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital Architects: HKS | Clark/McCarthy team

This document defines minimum requirements and provides examples for the level of quality required for signage and wayfinding elements in Military Health System (MHS) facilities. Design solutions must meet or exceed the minimum requirements and are to be developed in accordance with the World-Class Checklist.

The objectives of this Section are:

• Provide minimum requirements consistent with the requirements of the most current ABAAS (Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards).

• Establish minimum requirements for cohesive signage and wayfinding systems throughout the facility.

• Create a comprehensive and consistent signage system using the recommended minimum sign types and finishes.

• Ensure flexibility for signage modifications, e.g. personnel or department name changes to ensure longevity of sign systems in the facility.

• Supplement signage packages by incorporating graphic arts and architectural elements to create a comprehensive and holistic wayfinding system.

• Establish standardization of signage and wayfinding systems, which support evidence-based design principles and promote the MHS brand and public image.

The contents of this section are not intended to restrict design innovation and creativity during iterative design of MHS facilities.

Wayfinding involves multiple methods, that when combined, aid in navigation of a space. These methods need to be used in collaboration with the Structural Interior Design to create a wayfinding system that provides building orientation, navigational cues and destination boundaries.

Some of the architectural elements used in wayfinding include, but are not limited to, identification through graphics, color, patterns and textures.

SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING PRINCIPLES

Fort Leonard Wood Community Hospital Architects: RLF | JE Dunn team

Wayfinding solutions should include the following design elements:

• Wayfinding indications in the form of flooring materials, ceiling applications, accent lighting, graphic arts, signage and wall applications.

• Elevators and elevator lobbies located within corridors to direct the flow of traffic throughout the building. These areas are an important element of wayfinding within the facility and are to be visually compelling and clearly defined.

• Intuitive floor patterning at important directional changes.

• Accent colors on walls to distinguish the different floors or departments of the facility.

Accent colors should be carried through the design to include artwork and upholstery selections.

• Graphic arts with easy-to-remember images at main intersections. Graphic arts selections should support the overall wayfinding plan.

WAYFINDING DESIGN EXAMPLE

Wayfinding colors/graphics by Level

The examples below demonstrate how interior finish materials and colors, as well as graphic arts, work together with interior signage to create a comprehensive wayfinding plan.

In this example, each floor of a facility was given a particular color, graphic, and theme. These elements were continued through selection of interior finishes, graphic arts, and signage.

Interior Signage: Level 1 Forest

Elevator Graphics: Level 1 Forest

Interior Finishes & Artwork: Level 1 Forest

Macro to Micro Examples of Signage

The signage system and graphic arts selections are required to follow the macro to micro characteristics of the overall Wayfinding plan.

Macro signs include:

• Directories (both static and digital)

• Directional signs

• Departmental Identification signs

Micro Sign types include:

• Room Identification

• Exam Room Identification

• Facility Door Number Tags. Image: Ft Belvoir Community Hospital, Ft. Belvoir, VA (HDR)

SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING PRINCIPLES: MACRO TO MICRO

Image: Ft Belvoir Community Hospital, Ft. Belvoir, VA (HDR)

Macro to Micro Examples of Wayfinding

Wayfinding solutions should be organized in a Macro to Micro format that begins with unique identifiers within architectural elements and graphic arts that carries into the signage system.

In the example on the right, the first identifier to a user is the color map which directly links each color to an area of the building. This color is paired with a graphic image to give each area its own identity. Finally, the signage displays the same color as the color in that specific building and incorporates a graphic icon that ties back to the photo image.

Building (Macro) Floor Reception (Micro)

MHS BRAND STANDARDS

All interior and exterior signage shall comply with MHS Brand Standards available at https://www.health.mil/Military- Health-Topics/MHS-Toolkits/Brand-Resources-for- Communicators. Any signage elements that deviate from this guidance require DHA Interior Design and DHHQ Strategic Communications Office approval.

https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/MHS-Toolkits/Brand- Resources-for-Communicators.

MHS Approved Logos https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/MHS-Toolkits/Brand-Resources-for-Communicators https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/MHS-Toolkits/Brand-Resources-for-Communicators

MHS BRAND STANDARDS: EXTERIOR

• Includes MHS logo and facility name.

• Internally illuminated

• Complements the facility’s architectural design and other buildings located on the military installation.

• Not required to follow UFC 3-120-01 or Installation Design Guide Standards

• Includes MHS logo and facility name.

• Complies with UFC 3-120-01 and facility location Installation Design Guide Standards

• MHS seal to be placed on the exterior of the building facing the main approach for Medical Centers and Community Hospitals.

• Standard criteria:

• Brushed aluminum panel with cutout graphics

• Back-lit, LED lighting

• Pin mounted to building face with standoffs.

• Exterior building materials show through the seal’s negative area. Letters have relief from the sign face but are not back-lit.

• Sized approrpiate in relation to building scale. Example is 11’-3” diameter x 6” deep

Primary Exterior Sign Secondary Exterior Sign

Building Exterior Seal

Example. Exterior Signage/Branding for Medical Center and Community Hospitals. Enlarged Seal shown on right.

MHS BRAND STANDARDS: EXTERIOR, ENTRANCES

Additional Exterior Signage (project specific)

Signs accommodating message inserts to display Force Protection Conditions and Hours of Operation may be required at entrances.

Flexible/changeable sign for Hours of Operations is preferred to surface applied vinyl text on entry doors.

• At a minimum, all entrances shall include surface applied vinyl graphic and text to include MHS Seal in “frosted” appearance and entrance identification (Main Entrance, Staff Entrance, Dining Facility, etc.).

• Include No Smoking and No Weapons graphic with the following language:

“This is a Tobacco Free Facility” “No Weapons Allowed”

• Facilities located outside of a Department of Defense military installation may require additional signage, to be coordinated during iterative design.

Above is one design solution incorporating MHS Seal, Facility name, and Entrance identification. Alternate solutions may also be provided. 9

MHS BRAND STANDARDS: INTERIOR

MHS Medical Centers, Community Hospitals, and Ambulatory Care Centers

• As part of the Structural Interior Design and Signage Package, the MHS Seal is to be placed in the interior of the building at the main entrance.

• Scale shall be appropriate to the facility’s interior architecture. Generally, large or monumental scale is to be implemented for Medical Centers and Community Hospitals.

• A variety of materials may be used with the overall aesthetic to remain neutral or “tone on tone”.

• Command conference rooms are to include the name of the facility and MHS Seal located behind the Commander. Facility seal may be used in lieu of the MHS seal with approval by the DHA Interior Designer.

Example. MHS Seal located at main entrance.

MHS Seal, Detailed Views.

ROOM NUMBERING METHODOLOGY

The assigned wayfinding/signage room number and the room numbering system may vary from the architectural room numbers applied during design development.

Wayfinding/signage room numbering shall be from the perspective of the patient and/or visitor.

5 digit numbering system for all rooms

• The first number or letter indicates the floor (example. B=Basement, M=Mezzanine, 1-3=Floors).

• The second letter specifies the are of the building. Designers should designate main

"blocks" of space with letters, with “A” encompassing the main point of entry.

• The remaining three letters specifies the corridor and room number within the area.

• Numbering should start at the first room/space encountered, and continue sequentially, in ascending order, in a clockwise direction through the corridors from the main entrance.

• Room numbers should be coordinated so that even numbers are on one side of a corridor, and odd numbers are on the opposite side.

• While the entry to a suite of rooms may be designated 1A-XXX, the within-suite rooms should be given sub-designations, such as 1A-XXXa, 1A-XXXb, etc. These should also occur in clockwise fashion.

• Permanent room signs that will not change over time will be part of the numbering system.

• There should be no special designations for particular types of rooms, such as mechanical rooms, as those functions will be called out in the nomenclature portion of the room sign.

• Facility door tags with architectural room numbers for staff / maintenance.

• Numbers reflect architectural numbering shown on plans.

• Not sequential, not used by visitors.

2A -101 Floor Number

Building Area

Room Number

Example. Room signage and facility door tags.

• Room ID Sign with permanent room number and changeable room function/description.

• Left Justification for text and numbers.

• Upper and lower case characters.

• Sign size to be minimum 8” x 8”

• 100% modular and compatible with a wide range of insert and graphics options.

• Permanent room number area must be compatible with facility’s sign shop equipment

• Standard frame profile: square

• Standard frame finish: Natural Satin Anodized Aluminum

• Signage shall be installed using silicone adhesive and/or double-sided tape. Mechanical fasteners should only be used when required by Manufacturer.

• Future signage updates must comply with Sign Standards and match the facility's existing signage in configuration and appearance.

PRIMARY ROOM IDENTIFICATION

Tactile Lettering and Grade II Braille insert.

Printable insert(s) with clear lens (Can also be surface applied vinyl letters or subsurface insert).

Top or Bottom ABA Plaques.

ABA

ABA

PRIMARY ROOM IDENTIFICATION

Sign Type A1 and A1b

Name

Top Graphics Assembly

• Clear Lens Protective Outer Insert

• Non-Glare PETG, Acrylic, or similar material

• Size: 6“ x 8½"

• Middle Insert

• Acetate Insert with printed graphics/text

• Size: 6” x 8½”

• Color: Clear

• Font Color: Black

• Sub Insert/Background Insert

• Wayfinding color/graphic or MHS Seal

• Size: 6” x 8½”

• Rule line (accent color): 3/8” x 8½”

A1b

A1

ABA Insert

• Semi-permanent ABA Band

• Size: 2½" x 8½"

• Color: Manufacturer’s standard neutral selection

• Font Color: Black

Sign Type A1b only In Use Slider

• Slider Band/Insert

• Size: 30mm x 8½"

• Color: Match frame

• Slider Color: Match frame

• Vinyl “In Use” Color: Match ABA Insert

• Font Color: Black

Sign Type A1 Room ID With User Printed Acetate Inner Insert Sign Type A1b Room ID With “In Use” slider & User Printed Acetate Inner Insert

Vinyl Tape / Silicone Mount Holder Size: Approximately 8.6" x 8.7" x .42"

PRIMARY ROOM IDENTIFICATION

Sign Type A6

Sign Type A6 Patient Room ID with 4 changeable sliding patient precaution warnings

A variety of layouts for this sign type are acceptable. Signs shall accommodate a minimum of (4) Special care inserts with accommodations for (8) inserts being preferred. Signs may also be required to accommodate additional larger paper inserts. Inserts should be removable/changeable. Required inserts to be determined by coordination with DHA Clinical Planner.

Signage materials, colors, and dimensions to coordinate with all other room signage. Must include tactile lettering and Grade 2 Braille insert for room number identification.

• Includes front of house and back of house directories.

• Directories shall include multiple inserts for ease of change and replacement

• No visible fasteners

• Sizes vary depending on facility type and location

• Include wayfinding colors/graphics to orient patients and staff

• Mechanically fastened

• Inserts include acrylic with sub surface graphics or clear acetate

• Orientation maps are not to be included on these sign types. This type of information is provided through digital directories that are procured as a personal property equipment item.

DIRECTORY SIGNAGE

D1b Quantity and layout of inserts is project specific.

Graphic shown is for reference only.

D1c

D1a

DIRECTORY SIGNAGE

Sign Type D1a and D1b

Sign Type D1a Primary Visitor Elevator Directory

• Overall Display Size: Approximately 96" x 36" x 5/8”

• Large scale design appropriate for Community Hospitals and Medical

Centers

• Incorporates wayfinding colors and graphics to assist patients and visitors

• Sign features 10 separate inserts

• Identifies departments by floor and area of the building (Clinic/Hospital)

• Inserts are printed 1/8” acrylic, easily installed and removable within the frame

• No visible fasteners

Sign Type D1b Secondary Visitor Elevator Directory

• Overall Display Size: Approximately 34" x 21" x 5/8”

• Appropriate for secondary locations within Community Hospitals, Medical

Centers, and for smaller facilities

• Incorporates wayfinding colors and graphics to assist patients and visitors

• Sign features 5 separate inserts

• Identifies departments by floor and area of the building (Clinic/Hospital)

• Inserts are printed 1/8” acrylic, easily installed and removable within the frame

• No visible fasteners

• When used in conjunction with D1a, follows same aesthetics

• Includes digital directories at main entrances and major intersections.

• Directories shall orient and digitally direct patients and visitors to various destinations or services throughout the facility using the following:

2D or 3D maps (may be interactive) Animated paths and Legends Branded designs At-a-glance views “You Are Here” markers

• Size of directories vary depending on facility type and location

• Directories are updated easily, and digital information can be transferred to mobile devices

• Directories may include informational messaging (i.e., flu shots, blood drives), images, videos and graphic art in addition to directory information

• Digital directories are installed as wall-mounted or freestanding units (kiosks)

• Digital content is managed by content management system/software and are displayed throughout facility (preferably on LED screens)

• Includes wayfinding colors and graphics to help orient patients and staff

DIRECTORY SIGNAGE - DIGITAL

• Signage shall include multiple inserts for ease of change and replacement

• Include wayfinding colors/graphics to orient patients and staff

• Quantity of message strips is facility and location specific

• Mechanically fastened

• Message strips include background color insert, clear acetate insert with printed text, and protective clear overlay lens

• Configuration shall accommodate at least one additional directional insert slot per directional arrow

WALL MOUNTED DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE

Directional with 8 message strips

Directional with 3 message strips