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University of Warwick – Faculty of Arts Building

Creating a Landmark Signage Experience for a World-Class Learning Environment

Delivering a sustainable, future-proof wayfinding and branding solution for one of the UK’s leading universities.

In December 2021, the University of Warwick unveiled its new £57.5m Faculty of Arts building, an eight-storey landmark and the tallest building on campus. Designed to unite arts and humanities disciplines under one roof, the building represents a bold investment in interdisciplinary collaboration, teaching excellence, and student experience. Our role was to design, supply and install a comprehensive internal and external signage solution that reflected the University’s ambition, sustainability commitments and premium architectural finish.

Plan
Design
Deliver
Install
Upgrade
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Client overview

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Higher Education
Coventry, UK

The University of Warwick is a top 10 UK university with over 22,000 students and a global reputation for academic excellence and research impact. The new Faculty of Arts building forms a key part of its long-term campus masterplan and continued investment in world-class facilities.

Key goals

Coventry, UK

Project brief

The project involved the complete design, manufacture and installation of internal and external signage across the new Faculty of Arts building. The facility houses specialist spaces including an antiquities room, cinema and screening rooms, theatre studios, rehearsal rooms, collaboration areas, media labs, edit suites, and multi-purpose event and exhibition spaces.

With a vast number of distinct environments within one building, clarity, accessibility and cohesion were critical. The signage system needed to support high footfall, remain visually striking, and integrate seamlessly with the building’s architectural materials and finishes.

Key objectives

  • Design and install external totem signage for high visibility
  • Implement a cohesive internal wayfinding strategy
  • Create room identification signage for diverse specialist spaces
  • Ensure durability in high-traffic areas
  • Meet sustainability and longevity requirements
  • Deliver a visually consistent, brand-aligned solution
  • Solutions

    External monolith totem signage

    A large-scale monolith sign positioned at the main entrance, featuring crisp white lettering against a polished black background for maximum visibility and a premium aesthetic.

    Comprehensive internal wayfinding system

    Strategically placed directional signage throughout the building, designed to guide students and visitors effortlessly between floors and specialist spaces.

    High-Level wall graphics and room identification

    Clear, eye-catching graphics combined with key directional messaging to enhance navigation and visual impact.

    Premium, durable materials

    Aluminium, steel, acrylic and stainless steel substrates selected to align with the architect’s vision and ensure longevity.

    Feature artwork installation

    Fabrication and installation of a large-scale wall graphic featuring a specially commissioned handwritten poem by Raymond Antrobus MBE, winner of the Ted Hughes Award. Installed in the main atrium, this striking piece reinforces the building’s artistic identity and cultural purpose.

    Visual showcase / Deliverables

    Implementation

    • Not included in this project

      Plan

      We map out your project scope, nail down the tech specs, and chart the path from concept to completion – on time, on spec, no excuses.
    • Not included in this project

      Design

      We create the visuals and technical blueprints, making sure every detail works with your brand and works beautifully in the real world.
    • Not included in this project

      Deliver

      We build it, ship it, and roll it out – with experienced hands who care about getting it right and keeping disruption to a minimum.
    • Not included in this project

      Install

      We bring our experienced fitters on-site to set everything up precisely, making sure it all works flawlessly and looks exactly as it should.
    • Not included in this project

      Upgrade

      We refresh your existing setup, extending its life and keeping it current as your brand evolves and technology moves on.

    Testimonials

    Built through a pandemic the team have showed great fortitude, resilience and commitment to navigate successfully to completion and should be very proud.

    University of Warwick
    University of Warwick

    Key learnings

    • Complete signage solution delivered for an eight-storey, £57.5m landmark building

    • Seamless collaboration with architects and contractors

    • Durable, future-proof installation aligned with sustainability objectives

    • Enhanced navigation across high-footfall areas

    • Positive client feedback upon completion

    In higher education environments, signage is far more than directional, it is an extension of brand, culture and student experience. For prospective students, first impressions of a campus can significantly influence perception and engagement. Clear, accessible and visually cohesive wayfinding reduces anxiety, supports inclusion and reinforces institutional identity.

    By combining thoughtful design, durable materials and strong collaboration, this project demonstrates how a strategic signage solution can enhance both functionality and brand presence, creating a space that is modern, flexible and inspiring for its community.

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