Signage and Graphics

As UTSA continues to grow in both size and reputation, graphic continuity will become an even more important and integral aspect of its identity. From the use of the university logo on internal campus correspondence, to large-scale three-dimensional manifestations of UTSA's identity, the communication of a unique sense of place and purpose is essential to establishing UTSA as a unified academic institution.

While signage and graphics may vary in some details between campuses, there should be a distinct shared expression of the UTSA identity through such elements as color, typography, form, and materials. More information is available in the guidelines section.

Campus Orientation

Existing domain markers at the four corners of the 1604 Campus help to create a sense of arrival when motorists approach, but given their remote location, the markers do not function as reference points once inside the campus. The size of the academic complex and arrangement of the paseos has allowed special areas of campus such as the Sombrilla Plaza to serve an added function as a key orientation marker. The extensive program for new academic buildings, housing, and recreation and athletic facilities, however, will render the Sombrilla less effective as a campus-wide reference point.

A single, identifiable symbol for the campus is necessary now more than ever. The symbol could take any number of forms, including the proposed pedestrian bridge tower. This landmark could serve as both a symbol of UTSA and as a transition piece for the campus as it expands, most notably eastward towards Valero Way.

Campus Entrance Identification

The existing entry signs at the north and south entrances work well to identify and distinguish entrances by street name such as Edward Ximenes Avenue and to establish a UTSA presence. Current entrance identification signs work in tandem with directional signs to distill information to a quick read. Campus entrance identification signage should remain distinct from directional signage to allow the first-time as well as the frequent campus user to intuitively distinguish signs identifying facilities and parking from those signs directing motorists to destinations.

The 1604 Campus still has no singular and recognizable entrance. The north and south entrances receive comparable amounts of traffic into campus, and the equal treatment of the signage and landscaping at all four campus entry points reinforces the lack of a true primary entrance. The proposed connector parkway will establish primary north and south entries, and signage and landscaping should be augmented at these areas to provide an invaluable point of orientation and campus identification.

Campus Vehicular Directional Signage

The existing signage system should remain focused on directing first-time or infrequent campus visitors to their desired destinations. Emphasis should be on maintaining the consistency of design and simplicity of messages being conveyed to motorists and pedestrians as the campus grows and the number of destinations increases.

Directional signage should continue to bring campus visitors through a step-by-step hierarchical and logical sequence of destination-based information. The sequence should culminate with the specifics of parking accommodations for motorists and, ultimately, facility information for pedestrians.

At the 1604 Campus, challenges for directional signage include the sheer size of the campus and the conspicuous absence of a clear and direct north-south route through the campus. Existing signs work well in some instances, particularly at the south end of campus, but are less effective elsewhere. In general, directional signs tend to carry too many lines of text. On the north side of campus, for example, entry drives are too short to allow motorists adequate time to read all directional information on the signs. This not only is frustrating for motorists but also poses a danger to them if they slow down to read the signs.

To address this issue, signage at the campus perimeter should direct motorists to zones within the campus rather than to specific destinations. The same signs should also direct motorists to the nearest drive-up visitor information booth. Zoning the campus will allow for more concise messages, but also will require motorists to know which zone their desired destination falls into prior to arriving on campus. Those who do not know where to go will receive instruction at the information booth. The figure illustrates an example of zone-based signage. This type of signage will simplify basic wayfinding. As motorists approach the specific areas of the campus, signage should be expanded to include more information.

Visitor information booths already exist at John Peace Boulevard and on Edward Ximenes Avenue. It would be beneficial for a third booth to be added at the southern side of the north-south connector parkway. All booths should have signage that identifies them as "Visitor Information" or "Campus Information." The after-hours computer terminal should also be identified. In addition to providing the welcome sight of a human being, attendants in the visitor booths can disseminate campus maps, special event information, and materials for the Downtown and ITC campuses. This type of ancillary information could also be dispensed after-hours via weather-proof and vandal-resistant containers.

Small-Scale Campus Information Signage

A long-term signage goal should be to incorporate digital kiosks with touch-sensitive LCD displays that can display interactive campus maps and changing campus information. This display technology is superior to static displays because of the variety of information that can be displayed and the effectiveness with which information can be communicated. While these signs will not replace the visitor information booths or a visitors’ center, they will help guests to the campus find their destinations more quickly and will help students stay informed about campus activities.

Large-Scale Campus Information Signage

To more effectively communicate the university’s presence at the 1604 Campus, and to provide current events information, UTSA has requested that the design team locate two programmable and easily updated signs for delivery of university-related information to passing motorists. Innovations in fiberoptic technology, LED displays, outdoor sign displays and materials, and flat screen technology present a wealth of possibilities for addressing this type of signage.

Optimal locations for changeable information signs are at the university’s extreme northeast frontage and at the Special Events Center along UTSA Boulevard. These locations would allow the signs to display information to a vast majority of campus users in addition to amplifying UTSA's identity and presence to other motorists on surrounding roadways. It is recommended that these signs be either 8- or 16-color LED displays. Positive characteristics of LED displays include fully weatherproof cabinets, full matrix graphics capability, viewing angles from 90° to 120°, remote or on-site programming, modular hardware, energy efficient performance, information storage capacity for up to 60 days, and LED components warranted for ten years. Smaller LED displays would work well at locations such as the south side drop-off point for the Convocation Center and at the athletic facilities on the West Paseo. There are, however, restrictions imposed on illuminated, programmable signs by such agencies as the city of San Antonio‘s Department of Building Inspections and TxDOT. Discussions with representatives of both agencies indicate that a programmable sign can be located on the Loop 1604 frontage next to campus. The sign cannot advertise any off-site events or services including events occurring at the Downtown or ITC campuses, as this is considered off-site advertising. The sign would be limited in height to 40 feet above grade, and in single face surface area to 350 square feet.

Depending upon its street type classification, UTSA Boulevard can accommodate an LED display that will range in height from 24 to 40 feet and in surface area from 150 to 240 square feet. LED displays located on the campus interior can be sized to accommodate need and scale.

Buildings, Plazas, and Paseos

The two types of existing signage that identify buildings and facilities – individual letterforms mounted to façade and freestanding pylons – should be maintained. Currently, building façades facing the Sombrilla Plaza and at some locations along the paseos are identified with façade-mounted individual letterforms. The letterforms have a duranodic bronze finish that contrasts well with the predominantly concrete façades. New buildings may make use of more color and materials than the originals, and it is recommended that letterforms on stone or stucco façades be painted to simulate brushed aluminum.

For viewing at a greater distance, freestanding building identification pylons are typically situated near the sides of academic buildings facing parking lots and on all other buildings on campus. Two sizes of freestanding building identification signs are currently utilized depending on the relative scale of the building and the area of campus in which it is located.

These different sizes also serve to subtly suggest hierarchy, e.g., academic versus facility support or student residences. On all buildings, the use of the full name such as "Multidisciplinary Studies" is recommended instead of "MS." This will deflect the typical institutional feel that can result from the use of initials.

Existing signage is effective in identifying paseos while helping to maintain a uniform look for the campus. As the campus grows, the importance of the paseos will become more fully realized. As the paseos are extended, particularly to the west and east, the north-south-east-west designations should be reinforced. Consolidation of various campus amenities (such as paseo identification, pedestrian maps and directional information, emergency telephone, and information displays) into fewer locations will help reduce visual clutter.

The existing display kiosks found along the paseos and the Sombrilla Plaza should be upgraded. The kiosk form, color, and presentation should be brought in line with the campus signage and graphics aesthetic. Alternative attachment methods for flyers, notices, and postings should be explored, including elastic banding, magnetic surfaces, and electronic displays. Kiosks should be relocated to key points across campus, such as paseo intersections, bus and shuttle pick-up points, and queuing areas adjacent to parking.

Materials and Maintenance

The salmon and dusky blue paint colors developed for the existing signage system relate to the orange and blue of the UTSA school colors, in a lighter palette that is more appropriate to the environs. Unfortunately, many of the signs on campus have suffered from continued exposure to the sun without major maintenance. Most notably, the paint has faded and some vinyl text is peeling. The paint used on the existing signs is an automotive quality acrylic polyurethane coating engineered by Matthews Paint Company. Their research and the past performance of their products indicate a period of five to eight years in actual field exposure without conspicuous loss of gloss or color. The long-term performance of the paints is determined by, among other things, orientation of the signs to the sun and severity of exposure.

Methods for extending the life of the paints include periodic light pressure washing of the signs to remove debris and to provide a smooth surface. The pressure washing technique must comply with the recommendations of the vinyl text manufacturer, as an incorrect procedure may void the warranty. UV coatings can also be applied to extend paint life, although this may tend to yellow the white vinyl text on the sign faces. Substituting porcelain enamel panels instead of painted aluminum would provide a longer-lasting finish, but could be cost-prohibitive.

The text used on existing campus signage is a 3M Scotchlite reflective vinyl, selected for its similar day and nighttime appearance and high durability. The vinyl is warranted in Texas for a period of four years. It is recommended that UTSA contract an approved sign vendor to systematically remove, restore, and reinstall sign units on campus. This will require stripping vinyl text and paint, repainting sign panels and cabinets, and reapplying new vinyl text.