For
The Royal Exchange
What is it
Sensitively designed, bespoke internal signs that minimise the impact on a Grade II listed building.
Project Scope
The Royal Exchange in Manchester is perhaps best known for its breathtaking market hall which incorporates an iconic free-standing theatre-in-the-round.
But it was the upper floors that needed our attention. The client required non-invasive signage solutions for its upper floors – which house about 400 office spaces.
And, they needed a solution that would accommodate potential tenant changes without affecting the historic fabric of the building.
The Specifics
All historic buildings, particularly listed ones like Manchester’s Grade II listed Royal Exchange, are sensitive to modern additions and require careful consideration to avoid harm to their heritage.
So, when we were appointed by the Royal Exchange, our challenge was to provide signage that could be updated as tenants changed without impacting the building’s fabric. The existing aesthetic and architectural integrity needed to remain undisturbed, presenting a unique challenge.
The Solution
We engineered a bespoke J-section frame solution, where name signs are designed to slide in and out. And, to avoid the risk of theft, these are carefully sized so that they can’t be slid out of place when the door is closed.
The signs were manufactured in cast aluminium and anodised bronze, with screen-printed graphics and removable vinyl tenant details to allow easy changes in future. The overall design gave a premium heritage finish, aligning with the historic character of the building.
Alongside the door signs, we devised other internal wayfinding signage, including level directory signs. All in all, we designed, manufactured and installed:
- 7 directory signs
- 55 tenant door signs
- 1 fascia sign
We’ve solved our client’s problem by installing a premium signage product that will safeguard the integrity of this important listed building.
