Rules of engagement

To define and delineate the centre's considerable presence it runs nearly half a kilometre in length and stands up to 12m high in places effective signage was required.

Capitol Sign Services has been involved in bringing colour, interest and direction to many Westfield malls, says director Graham Smith.

"We undertake total control of the signage for a project such as this, and this touches on nearly every facade, nook and cranny of the complex," he says. "This includes everything from illuminated pylon and plinth signs to wayfinders, carparking signs and most things to catch the shopper's eye in between."

One point of difference among myriad installations was the giant 21m high by 5.6m wide sign that greets visitors approaching the southern entry.

"These proportions make it one of the largest freestanding signs in the country," he says. "Our main concern was wind velocity vibration on the structure. It had to withstand over-height and over-width loads."

The sign is a combination of Aluminium Composite materials. Fabricated channel letters are backlit with internal neon light boxes made from Capitol Sign Services' own extrusion, with a flexible substrate.

"All components of the sign are made in our own factory, except for the structural steel," says Smith. "Versatility is imperative on large-scale projects."

For further information, contact Capitol Sign Services, PO Box 45-158, Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland, phone (09) 829 0633, fax (09) 829 0634. Email: graham@capitolsigns.co.nz, or visit the website: www.capitolsigns.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas