room numbering - Office of Physical Plant - Pennsylvania State ...

TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW 1.0
A. Introduction 1.1
B. Purpose 1.2
C. Policy 1.3
D. The Signage Committee 1.4
E. Procedure 1.5
ROOM NUMBERING 2.0
A. Introduction 2.1
B. Procedure 2.2
C. Alpha Suffix Code 2.3
D. Alpha Prefix Code 2.4
E. Room Numbering Examples 2.5
INTERIOR SIGNAGE 3.0
A. Introduction 3.1
B. References 3.2
C. Typography 3.3
D. Symbols and Graphics 3.4
E. Minimum Sign Requirements 3.5
F. Sign Type 100 3.6
G. Sign Type 200 3.7
H. Sign Type 300 3.8
I. Material Specifications 3.9
J. Quality Assurance 3.10
K. Installation Specifications 3.11
EXTERIOR SIGNAGE 4.0
A. Introduction 4.1
B. Color Palette 4.2
C. Typography 4.3
D. Penn State Mark 4.4
E. Symbol Graphics 4.5
F. Boundary Markers 4.6
i

G. Campus Entrance Markers 4.7
H. Vehicular Directional Signs 4.8
1. Perimeter Locations
2. Event Signs (Perimeter Locations)
3. College Avenue Locations
4. Campus/Interior
5. Interior Campus Road Locations
I. Pedestrian Maps/Directories 4.9
1. Freestanding Masonry Base
2. Elongated Masonry Base
3. Ground Support & Wall Mounted
J. Building identifier Signs 4.10
1. Buildings with Significant Public Use
2. Custom
3. Student Residence Facilities
4. Student Residence Facilities – Masonry Base
5. Wall Mounted
6. Wall Mounted - Building ID
7. Wall Mounted – Existing Letters
K. Temporary/Event Directional Signs 4.11
L. Street Identification Signs 4.12
M. Traffic Regulatory Signs 4.13
N. Parking Lot Identification Signs 4.14
ii

Section 1.0 OVERVIEW
A. Introduction 1.1
B. Purpose 1.2
C. Policy 1.3
D. Signage Committee 1.4
E. Procedure 1.5
1

INTRODUCTION
The Penn State Signage Standards Manual provides guidance to Penn State personnel and
outside consultants who are involved in specifying, fabricating, or installing signage at any
Penn State University facility. The Penn State Signage Standards Manual is the basis for the
University signage system. A successful signage system functions in a number of positive
ways. It directs, informs, regulates and helps people find their way in and around Campus
with a minimum of lost time. The Penn State Sign Program was developed to provide
consistency and uniformity in campus signing and to simplify the process of ordering new
and replacement signs. Regardless if one is able bodied or impaired, good signage conveys
the general feeling of well being that one experiences when being visually informed in a
uniform, pleasing manner.
The Signage Administrator’s office in Facilities Resources and Planning (FR&P) has
responsibility for implementing procedures and policies contained in this Manual. All
requests for non-standard or specialty signs are to be sent to the Signage Administrator(s)
for review with the Signage Committee.
ADA Guidelines
The signage program has been designed in compliance with signage regulations defined by
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Those regulations are quite involved and
beyond the scope of this reference document. If you are interested in a more in-depth
discussion of ADA issues, we have included at the back of this document a copy of the 1992
Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD) White Paper on ADA. This has become the
standard reference for designers.
2

Stew Koontz, Exterior Signage Administrator
sek3@psu.edu
Phone: (814) 863-1475
Fax: (814) 865-1610
Scott Hord, Interior Signage Administrator
rsh9@nw.opp.psu.edu
Phone: (814) 863-7978
Fax: (814) 865-1610
February 2007 Edition
Supersedes July 2005 Edition
Office of Physical Plant - Facilities Resources & Planning
101 Business Admin II Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-1475
Fax: (814) 865-1610
3

PURPOSE
To set Office of Physical policy to provide a University-wide standard interior and exterior
sign system to guide, direct, inform, identify, and regulate movement of people and vehicles
at Penn State. The Penn State Signage Standards Manual is the established standard.
In order for this sign system to be successful over extended periods of time, signage
standards that comply with ADA and other regulations need to be established.
4

POLICY
The Signage Administrator(s) in Facilities Resources and Planning (FR&P) Division are
assigned the responsibility for the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of the
signage system which is to be employed at University Park Campus, other Penn State
Campuses, and all other locations including leased facilities, except The Milton S. Hershey
Medical Center and The Pennsylvania College of Technology at Williamsport. Henceforth, the
term "campus" will be used interchangeably to describe any of the locations where the new
system is to be implemented.
5

SIGNAGE COMMITTEE
On occasions, deviation from the sign standards may be warranted due to a number of
reasons or circumstances. However, because the standards were created to bring harmony,
consistency and construction replication to the signage system, a committee was
established to review any signs that deviate from these standards. The University maintains
strict requirements on the use of the corporate logos, especially regarding the use of
elements of the Penn State shield, lion, type-fonts, placement of text, and colors. The
Signage Committee reviews non-conforming proposals and provides recommendations to
the designer for consideration and modification, and then, to the Deputy Vice-President of
Physical Plant on the acceptability of the final designs.
The Signage Committee meets periodically and includes members of the Office of Physical
Plant, Traffic Management, and University Publications.
6

PROCEDURE
1. All signs located at University facilities will be designed and installed in
compliance with the policies and specifications outlined in The Penn State
Signage Standards Manual. Signs must conform to local government zoning laws,
ordinances and ADA Regulations. All requests for non-standard and specialty
signs must be submitted to the Signage Administrator(s) for review with the
Signage Committee.
2. The Signage Administrator(s) will compare each new sign request with the
established standard to ensure a University sign system that is consistent,
attractive, informative, and cost-effective.
3. Facilities Resources and Planning, Park Avenue Building, University Park, PA
16802, will receive all requests for non-standard and specialty signs. Requesting
departments at locations other than University Park Campus should direct their
request to the Commonwealth Services Division of OPP, which will forward it to
FR&P. FR&P will:
a. Review the proposal for conformity with all applicable PSU Signage
standards.
b. Review the proposal for conformity with all applicable PSU Signage
standards.
c. Review the proposed sign with the Signage Committee. Review and make
recommendations to the Signage Committee regarding non-standard or
specialty signs.
d. Make final verification with the requesting department that the sign should
be completed and installed.
4. Fabrication of Signs - University Park Campus
Upon confirmation from the Sign Administration that the requested sign is
acceptable, the Operations Division will:
a. Make final verification with the requesting department that the sign should
be completed and installed.
b. Determine a production and installation schedule.
c. Lay out and produce the approved sign; and at University Park Campus
locations only, install the completed sign.
d. Bill the requesting department upon completion of the job.
7

5. Fabrication of Signs - Other Locations
Requesters of signs for other locations have the option to order the approved
sign from outside vendors who are capable of producing the sign in keeping with
the Penn State standards.
6. Cost of Signs
Costs for new, altered, or replacement signs will be billed to and paid by the
requesting department. Central funds are not available for production and
installation of signs.
7. Installation of Replacement Signs
OPP Operations will install missing or damaged signs at University Park Campus.
Other locations will install missing or damaged signs.
8. Out-Sourcing Signs
To provide quality customer service, sign requests will be out-sourced when
management determines it is necessary.
9. New Construction and Renovation Projects
Signage will be included in new construction and renovation project costs.
10. The Penn State Signage Standards Manual
Facilities Resources and Planning will maintain and distribute the Penn State
Signage Standards Manual.
11. Building Signs
Exterior building signs will have the official building name as designated by
Administrative Policy AD05 Naming University Facilities.
12. Identification Space
Net Usable space will be identified in accordance with the “Identification System
for Net Usable Building Space Policy of July 1996”.
13. Painted Signage on Doors and Glass Windows
The past practice of lettering and numbering on doors will be discontinued.
14. Traditional Signage
Traditional signage, which is part of the building ambience, will be continued,
along with signage needed to comply with ADAAG.
15. Lawn Signs
Lawn signs will be discontinued, except for buildings of significant public use (see
page 23).
8

16. Illumination of Signage
Exterior signage will not be illuminated.
17. Non-Standard and Specialty Signs
All desired signage, which does not comply, with The Penn State Signage
Standards Manual shall be considered non-standard. Specialty signs, such as,
product logos, cafe names and the like shall be included in this category.
18. Corporate/Organization Logos
Corporate and organizational logos are permitted on the standard interior room
signs, where shown on the sign illustrations at a height of 1-9/16” (width may
vary).
9

Section 2.0 ROOM NUMBERING
A. Introduction 2.1
B. Procedure 2.2
C. Alpha Suffix Code 2.3
D. Alpha Prefix Code 2.4
E. Room Numbering Examples 2.5
10

INTRODUCTION
The Pennsylvania State University, Office of Physical Plant - Facilities Resources and
Planning Division, prepared the following room numbering system for use at all University
locations, on both new construction and renovation projects. This system provides a
consistent method for identifying and managing University building space and shall be
adhered to unless approval for deviation is received from the Signage Administrator.
February 2007 Edition
Supersedes July 2005 Edition
Scott Hord, Interior Signage Administrator
112B Park Avenue Building
rsh9@nw.opp.psu.edu
Phone: (814) 863-7978
Fax: (814) 865-1610
Office of Physical Plant - Facilities Resources & Planning
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-1575 Fax: (814) 865-1610
11

PROCEDURE
The space numbering system assigns a three or four character code (room number) to all
spaces. Three characters identify the floor and room number, a fourth character identifies
either a room subdivision or unique room space. Room numbers are assigned in numerical
sequence, starting counter clockwise from the prominent entrance on the first floor. The
room numbers on levels above and below the numbering starting point will coincide when it
is possible. Room numbering on each floor will be similar to the method used to assign
addresses on a street, odd numbers on the left, even numbers on the right in the direction
of ascension. This provides a sense of direction or movement from one end of a building to
the other.
Gaps in the numbering will occur so that the numbering sequence across a corridor is
always ascending. For example, if there are four rooms on the left before there is a room
on the right on Level 1, the left-hand rooms would be numbered 101, 103, 105, 107. The
right-hand room would be numbered 108 even though it is the first room on that side of the
corridor. A series of large rooms should also include gaps for future subdivisions, similar to
street numbering. Nested rooms (rooms not directly on a corridor, which are entered from
another room) will have the same room number as the lowest numbered room they are
entered from, plus a letter suffix designated in a clockwise sequence around the room. An
example is room 108A can only be accessed from room 108.
Non-assignable rooms (restrooms, janitor closets, mechanical rooms, etc) will be uniquely
identified by a designated prefix that corresponds with that room's use and follows the
numerical sequence of the floor. For example, a janitor's closet on the first floor that
appears between rooms 104 & 105 will be identified as J104 (see more examples on the
following pages).
Housing (Dormitories & Apartments) Buildings will also have a designated prefix code for
their spaces. Individual bedroom(s) and apartments will continue to follow the numerical
sequence on each floor, however, spaces used specifically by Housing will have prefix codes.
An example is room L102 which would indicate a laundry room used by students (see more
examples on the following pages).
12

Each building shall be reviewed separately to determine where it is best to start the
numbering sequence so that it progresses across the floor as a continuous numbering
string. Wing designations are to be used only when room numbering would require
numbers higher than 99 or where a continuous numbering string is not practical.
(x) (x) (x) = x numeric identify floor and room number.
(x) (x) (x) (A) = alpha suffix identifies room subdivisions.
(J) (x) (x) (x) = alpha prefix identifies a unique room space ( J = Janitorial room. )
New Construction
The prominent building entrance level identifies the first floor. If the site grade allows for
prominent entrances on more than one level then there is a choice as to which entrance
level becomes the first floor. (Note: This system avoids use of the term “Ground
Floor”.)
Renovations
The first step is to assign the room number (three or four-character code) to renovated
space while maintaining the existing numbering system within the building. This is
accomplished by assigning new room numbers or alpha suffixes to the room numbers.
Facilities Resources and Planning will provide assistance with assigning room numbers for
renovations.
13

ALPHA SUFFIX CODE
Floor space is identified by floor number, room number and an alpha suffix, such as 101A
through 101Z. Graduate Assistants and wage payroll office space is a minimum 50 square
feet. A room number is assigned or reserved for every 1300 square feet (50 sq. ft min. x 26
alphas = 1300 sq. ft.) of open space. For rooms over 1300 sq. ft., a room number is
reserved for a possible future subdivision.
14

ALPHA PREFIX CODE
15

ROOM NUMBERING EXAMPLES
33

Section 3.0 INTERIOR SIGNAGE
A. Introduction 3.1
B. References 3.2
C. Typography 3.3
D. Symbols and Graphics 3.4
E. Minimum Sign Requirements 3.5
F. Sign Type 100 - Room Identification Signs 3.6
1. 2 x 6 Room Number
2. 6 x 6 Room Number & Unit Title
3. 6 x 6 Stair Tower Number
4. 6 x 8 Room Number & Unit Title
5. 6 x 8 Women’s Restroom
6. 6 x 8 Men’s Restroom
7. 6 x 8 Unisex Restroom
G. Sign Type 200 – Message Signs 3.7
1. 2 x 6 Message
2. 2 x 6 Two Line Message
3. 6 x 6 TDD Telephone Identification
4. 6 x 6 Area of Refuge Identification
H. Sign Type 300 - Directional Signs 3.8
1. Directions to Accessible Restroom
2. Directions to Rescue Assistance Area
3. Floor Identification
4. Lobby Directory
5. Directory Signs
I. Material Specifications 3.9
J. Quality Assurance 3.10
K. Installation Specifications 3.11
36

INTRODUCTION
This section specifies interior signage for room numbers, directional signs, directories, code
required signs, telephone identification signs and temporary interior signs. Interior signs for
new buildings, fully renovated buildings, or a fully renovated floor of a building shall comply
with current ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities, IBC, and ANSI
codes, as well as with these Standards.
RELATED WORK
Lighted EXIT signs for egress purposes are specified under The Pennsylvania State
University Design & Construction Standards - Division 16A Electrical.
37

REFERENCES
The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The
publications are referenced in the text by the basic designation only.
B. Americans with Disabilities Act – 1990
C. ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities –
CHAPTER 7: COMMUNICATION ELEMENTS AND FEATURES
http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/final.htm#COMMUNICATION
C. American National Standards Institute (ANSI):
ANSI A117.1-03 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
38

TYPOGRAPHY
To maintain a consistent image, comply with ADA Guidelines, and for required legibility, the
following type styles have been chosen for interior signage use on campus.
Helvetica (Medium):
Helvetica (Bold):
Helvetica (Bold Condensed):
39

SYMBOLS AND GRAPHICS
The following symbols and graphics used in this signage manual should appear uniformly
throughout the system.
40

MINIMUM SIGN REQUIREMENTS
Permanent Rooms and Spaces:
1. Tactile and Braille Characters, raised minimum 0.8 mm (1/32 in). Characters shall be
accompanied by 1/4" Grade 2 Translated Raster Braille.
2. Type Styles: Characters shall be raised 1/32 in, uppercase, Helvetica Medium, Helvetica
Bold and Helvetica Bold Condensed. Characters shall be sans serif. Characters shall not
be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.
3. Character Height: Minimum 16 mm (5/8 in) high, Maximum 50 mm (2 in).
4. Symbols (Pictograms): Equivalent written description shall be placed directly below
symbol, outside of symbol's background field. Border dimensions of symbol background
shall be minimum 150 mm (6 in) high.
5. Finish and Contrast: Characters and background shall be eggshell, matte or other non-
glare finish with a minimum 70% contrast between characters and background as
measured by a spectral reflectometer.
6. Mounting Location and Height: As shown (Illustrations A-E, pages 86-90). Where a
tactile sign is provided at a door, the sign shall be alongside the door at the latch side.
Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with one active leaf, the sign shall be
located on the inactive leaf. Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with two
active leaves, the sign shall be to the right of the righthand door. Where there is no wall
space on the latch side of a single door, or to the right side of double doors, signs shall
be on the nearest adjacent wall. Signs containing tactile characters shall be located so
that a clear floor area 18 inches (455 mm) minimum by 18 inches (455 mm) minimum,
centered on the tactile characters, is provided beyond the arc of any door swing
between the closed position and 45 degree open position.
41

SIGN TYPE 100 – ROOM IDENTIFICATION SIGNS
All permanent rooms must be identified by the MINIMUM Type 100 - 2” X 6” room number
sign. These rooms include all assignable and non-assignable (excluding spaces designated
by the prefix F, G, O, Q, U, V, X and Y) spaces.
42

SIGN TYPE 200 – MESSAGE SIGNS
59

SIGN TYPE 300 – DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
70

MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS
We recommend that all interior room identification signs, restroom signs, wall-mounted area
or directional signs, and emergency signs be produced using the New Hermes Gravo-Tac
ADA Compliant and Tactile Signs. With this system, frames and insert panels fit together
through a snap-lock/suction cup mechanism, allowing panels to be interchangeable and
tamper-resistant. The signage produced from this system meets all ADA requirements and
offers flexibility to meet ever-changing campus needs.
2004 Gravograph New Hermes Materials Catalog or equivalent
New Hermes Incorporated
2200 Northmont Parkway
Duluth, GA 30096-5895
Phone: 1-800-8HERMES (1-800-843-7637)
Fax: 1-800-533-7637
New Hermes Gravo-TAC (2004 Gravograph New Hermes Materials Catalog Page 26)
Sheet Size: 24" x 48"
1 Ply
1/32" Profile (Raised); 1/16" Substrate/Backplate (Face)
Colors: All
Modular Frame System (2004 Gravograph New Hermes Materials Catalog Pages 54 & 55)
Frame Size: All
Square Corners
Colors: All
83

QUALITY ASSURANCE
SIGN MANUFACTURERS
Sign manufacturer shall provide evidence that they regularly and presently manufacture
signs similar to those specified in this section as one of their principal products.
B. Contractor Qualifications: Employ only experienced Contractors (Installers) skilled in
the successful installation of the specified materials and assemblies on similar
projects for a minimum of five (5) years.
C. Manufacturer Qualifications: Employ only manufacturers with at least five (5) years
experience making the specified materials as a current catalog and regular
production item.
D. Preparation: Verify that Shop Drawings have been successfully submitted, reviewed
and returned.
E. Source Limitations: Unless specifically noted otherwise, provide products of the same
manufacturer for each type of unit specified.
SIGNAGE SUBMITTALS
A. Manufacturer’s Product Data sheets shall be required for each item
specified.
B. Shop Drawings: Provide message list for each sign, including exact room
name, room number, graphic symbol (if any) and Braille location. Indicate
location of each sign on floor plan with shop drawing.
C. Samples shall be specifically required for non-specified manufacturer’s
DELIVERY AND STORAGE
products submitted as a Substitution.
Deliver materials to job in manufacturer's original sealed containers with brand name
marked thereon. Protect materials from damage.
84

INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS
Installation of ADA-compliant signage can be technically challenging aspect of the signage
project. While existing guidelines address the majority of sign application, architectural
circumstances may dictate other placement solutions. The Administrator(s) can provide
guidance when these circumstances present themselves.
Room Identification Signs
Wall-mounted room identification signs must be installed so that the top of the acrylic sign
(not including the frame) is 61 inches above the finished floor. The tactile sign shall be
located alongside the door at the latch side with a 3 inch gap between the edge of the sign
and the door jamb. Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with one active leaf,
the sign shall be located on the inactive leaf side. Where a tactile sign is provided at double
doors with two active leafs, the sign shall be located to the right of the right hand door.
Where there is no wall space at the latch side of a single door or at the right side of double
doors, signs shall be located on the nearest adjacent wall. Signs containing tactile
characters shall be located so that a clear floor space of 18 inches (455 mm) minimum by
18 inches (455 mm) minimum, centered on the tactile characters, is provided beyond the
arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 degree open position.
See Illustrations A & B.
Note: All restroom pictogram signs are to be accompanied by the corresponding 2” x 6”
Room Number Sign.
See Illustration C.
85

* Revised 10/07
86

* Revised 10/07
87

* Revised 10/07
88

Message and Directional Signs
Wall-mounted message and directional signs must be installed so that the centerline of the
sign is 60 inches above the finished floor.
See Illustrations D & E.
89

Mounting New Hermes Gravo-TAC Signs
Mount all New Hermes Gravo-TAC Sign frames to wall surfaces with double-coated acrylic
adhesive-backed foam tape and metal screws, or other appropriate hardware suitable to the
substrate to which the frame will be mounted. See illustration below. Sign shall be
installed using drywall screws and where necessary, plastic drywall anchors.
91

Section 4.0 EXTERIOR SIGNAGE
A. Introduction 4.1
B. Color Palette 4.2
C. Typography 4.3
D. Penn State Mark 4.4
E. Symbol Graphics 4.5
F. Boundary Markers 4.6
G. Campus Entrance Markers 4.7
H. Vehicular Directional Signs 4.8
1. Perimeter Locations
2. Event Signs (Perimeter Locations)
3. College Avenue Locations
4. Campus/Interior
5. Interior Campus Road Locations
I. Pedestrian Maps/Directories 4.9
1. Freestanding Masonry Base
2. Elongated Masonry Base
3. Ground Support & Wall Mounted
J. Building identifier Signs 4.10
1. Buildings with Significant Public Use
2. Custom
3. Student Residence Facilities
4. Student Residence Facilities – Masonry Base
5. Wall Mounted
6. Wall Mounted - Building ID
7. Wall Mounted – Existing Letters
K. Temporary/Event Directional Signs 4.11
L. Street Identification Signs 4.12
M. Traffic Regulatory Signs 4.13
N. Parking Identification Signs 4.14
92

INTRODUCTION
93

COLOR PALETTE
94

TYPOGRAPHY
95

PENN STATE MARK
97

SYMBOL GRAPHICS
98

BOUNDARY MARKERS
99

CAMPUS ENTRANCE MARKERS
100

VEHICULAR DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

PEDESTRIAN MAPS/DIRECTORIES
109

110

111

BUILDING IDENTIFIER SIGNS
112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

TEMPORARY/EVENT DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
120

121

STREET IDENTIFICATION SIGNS
122

123

TRAFFIC REGULATORY SIGNS
124

125

PARKING LOT IDENTIFICATION SIGNS
126

127