Description

• Wayfinding panels are used on large campuses to help people understand where they are and how to access any location within the campus. These can be broadly helpful in NYCHA campuses where entrances to buildings and resident amenities are not accessed from the street. [CCG]
• Wayfinding systems typically include a map of the area with labels identifying building addresses and important open spaces, amenities, or services, in addition to other visual markers with universally known symbols. [CCG]
• Wayfinding systems are most effective when placed in highly visible locations, such as near entry points of a NYCHA campus, or near a community space with pedestrian traffic. Providing good illumination on a wayfinding panel eases its readability and use after dark. [CCG]
• Signage for rules and regulations should be clearly visible and appropriately located. 

Baseline

• Exterior signage shall not be erected in a manner that would obstruct the view of official traffic signs, signals, or devices. Signs and sign support structures shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation and they shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressure.  Conversely avoid placing signage in locations that would be blocked by trees, light poles, exterior-mounted utilities, etc. 
• Types of signage can vary depending on the application.  Exterior signage can be free-standing, wall-mounted, or on the entrance canopy, depending on the use and existing conditions.  Address signage can be applied as a painted panel, multiple characters on a panel, or individual characters.  The signage should be uniform for all buildings at a development.  Individual facilities such as community centers or the management office can have unique signage. 
• Signs attached to masonry, concrete or steel shall be safely and securely fastened to safely support the loads applied. 
• Provide signage in multiple languages (per local needs) indicating age-appropriate use at playgrounds. 
• Install NYCHA standard signage at parking. 
• Develop educational signage and maintenance cards to facilitate communication at erosion and stormwater control features within campuses. 
• Entrances should always include address signage. 
• At community centers, signage should primarily indicate the identity of the development and function of the space (i.e community center, child care center, senior center). Signage identifying non-profit service providers and identifying services can be installed, its location should be secondary to the name of development and identity of the space. All signage should be made of durable materials. 
• Where possible, obsolete signage should be removed. 
• Provide building identification signage with lighting for nighttime visibility wherever possible. [COMPMOD] 
• Provide exterior site identification and wayfinding signage. [COMPMOD] 
• Provide exterior site identification and wayfinding signage. [CCG] 
• Clearly mark access points to building lobbies, community centers, laundry facilities, management offices, and highly-used open spaces, such as gardens, playgrounds and sports courts. [CCG] 
• Consider different wayfinding strategies (such as pavement stenciling, sculptures, and colors or unique features) to decrease confusion on larger sites. [CCG] 
• Clearly mark pathways where vehicular use is allowed within the campus with appropriate signage and crosswalks for pedestrians. [CCG] 
• Highlight building addresses so they are visible from a distance, for instance on the front fascia of an entrance canopy, the transom directly over the entrance door(s) or affixed to wall above or adjacent to the entrances, and are well-lit at night. Creative signage can also add to the sense of ownership for residents who primarily identify with their building, although try and avoid possibly confusing signage configurations such as vertically aligned characters.  Any new configuration should be reviewed with the stakeholders prior to installation. 
• It is possible in some instances to use illuminated or backlit address signage, but this should also be clearly visible when unlit.  Raised characters can increase visibility.  Where address signage is flush or painted use a gloss finish for ease of maintenance.  Try and verify that color contrast includes visibility to people who might have color blindness.  Avoid relatively similar shades between characters and background, such as brown on beige or orange on brown.  For address signage include the street name as well as the building address.  Ensure that all signage is attached with tamper-proof anchors, and where possible out of reach range to avoid vandalism and/or graffiti.  During renovations remove any existing redundant address signage.  [CCG] 
• Install wayfinding and clear communication signage for residents to help get household trash, recyclables, compost, and bulk waste to their proper destinations. [SA] 

Stretch

• Install murals, memorials, or tributes to former or current community leaders who had a positive effect on the neighborhood. [CCG] 
• Install signage commemorating special personalities, window décor that reflects personal heritage, and community spaces that display. [CCG] 

RAD Conversion 

• Assume new comprehensive and cohesive building signage and campus wayfinding. Building signage should meet all requirements of the Housing Maintenance Code (contained in the NYC Administrative Code), Multiple Dwelling Law, NYC Zoning Resolution, and the Rules of the City of New York. Typical signage to be updated or replaced may include:     
  • Development name signage (exterior) 
  • Building address signage (exterior) 
• Campus wayfinding should build on strategies identified in the Connected Communities Guidebook towards creating a unified wayfinding system to help people navigate the campus. Wayfinding panels are used on large campuses to help people understand where they are and how to access any location within the campus. These can be broadly helpful in NYCHA campuses where entrances to buildings and resident amenities are not accessed from the street. Wayfinding systems typically include a map of the area with labels identifying building addresses and important open spaces, amenities or services, in addition to other visual markers with universally known symbols.  
• Wayfinding systems are most effective when placed in highly visible locations, such as near entry points of a NYCHA campus, or near a community space with pedestrian traffic. Providing good illumination on a wayfinding panel eases its readability and use after dark. 

Strategies

Center Community Knowledge, Experience & Connection

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

Ensure Accessibility & Inclusion

CompModPACTSustainability AgendaCommunity CentersPlaygroundsConnected Communities

Last Updated on May 15, 2025 at 2:17 pm

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Details

NYCHA Signage Manual (Locascio)