Improving the quality and effectiveness of signing parks through planning and design

Terrabilt conducts a preliminary evaluation of client requirements and provides comprehensive planning and design services.

Clear and consistent guidance, orientation and general information at a park entrance welcomes visitors, introduces the park’s trails, resources and basic rules. Signage at campgrounds, trailheads, water access points, etc. in a well-designed system becomes the park brand, the packaging of the resource.

Experience

No two parks are the same. Terrabilt designers become familiar with a park’s unique system. We analyze park resources and operations and identify the function of existing signage. We learn what the visitor needs to know for a safe and enjoyable park experience that protects the resource. Knowledge gained from our decades of experience designing for outdoor spaces and natural environments helps us provide clear options for your sign program design

Analysis

Terrabilt staff has technical expertise and experience; we provide program analysis, planning and graphic design services. We can also work with park staff or consultant designers selected by park agencies as requested.

Survey

The Terrabilt team surveys sites and consults with local staff to learn about present usage, requirements and challenges. Items may include:

Standards

Terrabilt develops graphic standards adaptable to all aspects of a program. Typeface, type size, color, formatting, illustration and symbols support function. These elements, anchored by a clear map, relay messages visitors need. Signage supports park functions and represents its identity.

Sign Hierarchy

Terrabilt works with clients to create signs that welcome, orient and engage a visitor with clear and effective messaging. Design, both aesthetically and functionally can create visual order. Our modular system of panels provides a way to unify and organize guidance,informational and instructional signs, for attractive, orderly displays that are easy to manage.

Documentation

Once designed, sign program standards are documented as grids, templates or other formats. Standard designs that are used at all parks are created as “catalog” entries. Structures are specified for sign type/application. We involve park staff and provide a client with guidelines on sign use, placement, sizing, etc., to insure that programs are consistently signed at each park within a system. Our goal is to empower each park system to own planning. Terrabilt is also equipped to assist with unique applications.