University Campus-Wide External and Internal Signage Policy

External Signage Overview

Exterior signage policy (PDF) ››

As stewards of the campus environment, the Office of the University Architect oversees exterior signage for the University. The University commenced a campus-wide signage replacement project in 2003. The design aesthetic is intended to unify all campus signage with an appropriate vocabulary for a premier 21st Century research and teaching institution. There are three types of public signage at the University of Pennsylvania, used for the following purposes:

    Building identification signage

  • Helps members of the campus community find buildings and locations on campus, provides addresses for emergency response personnel, and notes the architect and the construction date of significant works of architecture.
    • Prototypical Building Identification Plate (PDF)
    Prototypical Building Identification Blade (PDF)

    Directional signage

  • Provides guides for first-time visitors to key pubic destinations, and identifies accessible entries to buildings that do not have accessible front doors.
    • Prototypical Direction Blade (PDF)

    Public information signage

  • Indicates campus areas equipped for wireless computer communication, and alerts visitors to areas where bicycles, skateboarding, and other specific activities are prohibited.
The determination of text and symbols, inclusion in directional signage inventory, and placement of signage is the responsibility of the Office of the University Architect. The aim is to have as few signs as possible, each with clear and consistent graphics, typography, and message. The placement of signs is likewise intended to be consistent across the campus, and ordered to maximize effectiveness. Signs are placed perpendicular or parallel to building pathways and buildings, oriented for visibility. Each type of signage follows specific design guidelines. The guidelines and the University’s full exterior signage policy can be downloaded here.

Signage Request

All proposed exterior signage must be submitted to and approved by the Office of the University Architect. Prominent installations may require the additional approval of the Design Review Committee, the Cultural Resources Subcommittee and the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections. Requests for signage may be directed to the Office of the University Architect.

University Election Posters

There are approved locations for University election posters. Please follow the rules and procedures outlined in our policy (PDF).

Temporary Signage

There are approximately 13 Kiosks located throughout the campus that serve for the display of temporary signage. Signs and posters attached to buildings, related structures or landscape elements such as fences, trees, etc., are not permitted. Approved post and panel or wire framed, event signage may be placed in lawns on a temporary basis. Sign content and the anticipated schedule for display of all lawn based temporary signage must be submitted to and approved by the Office of the University Architect, prior to installation. All temporary signage shall be removed by the user at the end of each scheduled event. Non-compliant signage shall be removed immediately by Facilities and Real Estate Services. Requests for temporary signage should be directed to the Office of the University Architect.