Exterior Signs
All CPS sites shall direct users to main entrances, call out key site features, convey school identity, and indicate safety routes using exterior signs. Signs shall be affixed using tamper proof hardware to prevent theft and vandalism. With continued exposure to outdoor elements, exterior signs will be made from low maintenance, durable, sustainably sourced material.
General Site Signs
- School Identifier
CPS sites shall include at least one clearly visible school identifier sign providing the name of the institution. The sign may be affixed to the building, at prominent exterior walls, or as a free-standing feature sited at a high visible location. Design intent and materiality shall be coordinated on a case by case-basis with the school. - Accessible Entries
Accessible building entrances shall be clearly marked on the building face and at any accessible site routes or ramps. Directional signs shall be placed accordingly around the building to route users to the main accessible entrance. Additionally at all non-accessible entries, provide directional signs to nearest main accessible entrance. - Building Entries
Building entries shall be clearly marked with a unique name for each entrance. This is often done through simple numeric or alphabetic names such as “Entrance A” or “01.” The main building entrance shall also be clearly marked for wayfinding. Coordinate building entry signs with the City of Chicago Fire Prevention Bureau. Signs shall have a reflective surface for increased visibility.
Wayfinding Signs
The purposed of exterior wayfinding signs is to orient users on site and help them locate key site elements such as entrances, gardens, playgrounds, drop-offs and parking areas. Wayfinding signs shall be posted at key site locations such as main entrances, adjacent street corners, and vehicular drop-off points.
Interpretive Signs
CPS sites often integrate outdoor education elements that may be enhanced through interpretive signs. The content may highlight an educational opportunity (such as how a rain garden works), a historic landmark, process, history, or any other information that illustrates what makes the site unique. This type of signs fosters school and community stewardship when designed and installed skillfully. Special care shall be taken to ensure site signs remains accessible for all students and community members. In some cases bilingual signs may be appropriate;
CPS and AOR to discuss with schools during design meetings.
(See Figure 1.7.3_2)
Marquees
Though not required, electronic marquees may be used to promote school events, share school or community news, and indicate helpful daily information like the time and weather. Marquees shall be sited to enhance visibility as much as possible without obstructing views to or out of the building. They may be free standing elements or mounted to the building face. Electric feeds and data connections to proposed marquees shall be considered with the MEP engineer.
(See Figure 1.7.3_3)
Informational Signs
- Playground Rules
CPS playgrounds shall include playground rules signs at all entrances to the playlot. Follow CPS standards for text and signs size. Local schools may edit text as needed to suit their project. Edits to be reviewed and approved by CPS. - No Smoking Signs
- No Loitering/Idling Signs
- No Guns
- Parking Signs
Standard CDOT parking signs shall be used on CPS sites. Reserved parking signs may also be used to provide allocated staff parking when applicable. ADA parking signs shall also be included. For these more specific signs needs, CPS shall coordinate with designers on a case by case basis. - EV Only Charging Station Signs
Minimum requirement is to install the infrastructure so that a charging station can be installed in the future
Refer to City of Chicago Rules and Regulations for Construction in the Public Way for additional information.
Interior Signs
- Interior: Wall mounted, cast acrylic signs.
- Doors: One (1) 9”x3” room number or name sign at each door opening as established by the school Principal
- Toilet Rooms: One (1) 9”x3” identification sign at each toilet room
- ADA/Fire Safety: Additional signs as required by accessibility and fire safety requirements.