Bristol Public Library
Bristol, Va.

Situation

First-time visitors come to the main branch of the Bristol Library looking for knowledge. But before finding the resources they need, any visitor needs to know where they’re going. Architects for the project needed a dependable and attractive wayfinding system for the new, two-story 55,000-square-foot facility. And they needed it quickly. The building’s grand opening was scheduled for April 20 – just one month from Innerface’s first involvement.

Solution

Starting in March, Innerface designers got to work. As with any project, a collaborative relationship with architects and interior designers was key. With building plans in hand, the right wayfinding system was devised by Innerface environmental graphic designers. With Innerface’s custom sign-making capabilities, architects and interior designers have unlimited design options.

Design Elements

Libraries are storehouses of knowledge. So for the interior of the Bristol Library, interior designers wanted interior signs to suggest both permanence and tradition. To accomplish this, they chose directory signs with sandstone-color mounts and Acrystone trim. Not only did the Acrystone suggest a more durable and lasting look, the polished material is also easy to clean, important in such a high-traffic building.

Flexibility

A library is a multi-use facility. Everything from the local Kiwanis Club to nighttime GED classes makes use of the meeting rooms. So flexibility in directory signs is mandatory. Innerface directories let library directors change the inserts themselves, eliminating the need for expensive replacements.

Rush Order

The Bristol Library project also had another challenge: A tight deadline. In order to make the library grand opening, a rush order had to put in for the whole order – a count that exceeded 400 signs. Workers in the Innerface manufacturing facility worked late hours to make the deadline. And company installers went up to Bristol to install all the signs within a 24-hour period.

Quotes

“We really jumped through some hoops to get it done in such a timely fashion. But that’s the way we do business at Innerface. On time. On budget. That’s always the goal.” – Lee Apple, Innerface

“If an architect or a designer is just thinking ‘sign-maker’ that’s not even a fraction of what we are. We’re a comprehensive resource that doesn’t just execute their ideas, we can help expand into different design ideas which can be cost effective and functional long term for the client.” – Lee Apple, Innerface

Signs

• Building directories
• Wall-mounted dimensional letters
• Ceiling mounts
• Furniture-mounted vinyl inserts
• Room plaques
• Vinyl on glass

Sign Systems

Signature and Stonedge Series for Room Plaques and Building Directory

Bristol Public Library Bristol, Va.