While we are not the installation vendor and will not be installing the evacuation maps for this project, we’re pleased to have provided the design and layout services, as well as the fabrication for this project, This is a commercial property with three main floor evacuation maps sized at 14” by 14 “ and 24 room maps covering the multiple floors at the building., Since the city of Livermore does not have its own published guidelines, the principles at Gunkel Architecture decided to adopt those from the City of Oakland,
As a company SignWorks has adopted a 14-inch by 14-inch map template for City of Oakland evacuation map projects because that size generally allows us to comply with the stated text sizes, corridor widths and symbols as defined by the most recent published Oakland Fore Department Guidelines. This meant that the three floor evacuation maps for the 450 N. Livermore Avenue property were sized as such. The individual room maps were sized at 8 ½” by 11” and produced using card stock/styrene because the thickness and wear characteristics are very similar. The floor maps were 2nd surface mounted to the required non-glare acrylic lens.
Over the years SignWorks has become a go-to source for evacuation maps in the greater bay area and this is because we understand the guidelines and the approval process, even though the process has become more fluid as a result of COVID 19. Although the client (Gunkel) managed the Fire Department approval process themselves, it is worth noting that the Fire Department desk review process in both San Francisco and Oakland is no longer handled on a walk-in basis. Both Fire Departments have reverted to a digital desk review process which continues to evolve over time.
The attached final map proofs reflect finished signs that we mailed to the site manager earlier this week and we hope to be able you update our post with pictures as soon as the evacuation maps are installed, and we have pictures to share. And, we are already working with another repeat client on another evacuation map project for their apartment project in downtown Oakland. If you are embarking on a similar project, please feel free to reach out to us at (510) 357-2000 and/or to fill out our contact form. You can also visit our website to read our blog posts and gather more information.