LFP - Large-Format-Printing

Integrating Signage with Natural Surroundings – FASTSIGNS

Friday 27. September 2013 - The Kalamazoo Nature Center, a non-profit organization contacted FASTSIGNS for help with engaging visitors. The nature center wanted to encourage people to come back for repeat visits and to communicate information about their educational programs in a memorable way.

The Challenge
The Kalamazoo Nature Center, a non-profit organization contacted FASTSIGNS for help with engaging visitors. The nature center wanted to encourage people to come back for repeat visits and to communicate information about their educational programs in a memorable way.
Over the past three years, FASTSIGNS has helped the Kalamazoo Nature Center with periodic upgrades for signage, wayfinding and event graphics. The nature center needed to make another round of signage updates to raise awareness of events as well as increase participation in their programs geared to adults and children.
The Solution
The Kalamazoo FASTSIGNS team consulted with the Nature Center to determine their specific needs for signs and graphics. FASTSIGNS proposed exterior signs and graphics that would help visitors find their way around the nature center easily, help identify key buildings and designate the traffic flow and parking areas. By adding colorful elements and stock photography to the nature center’s signage, FASTSIGNS updated the messages with graphics to grab the attention of visitors with visuals, such as a close up of an owl’s eyes.
“We’ve been applying a theme for all of the nature center’s different needs,” said Matt Trottier, owner of the Kalamazoo FASTSIGNS. “I think [FASTSIGNS] has helped the nature center present a more consistent brand. Our solutions look different than everything else around them.”
Existing maps needed a retrofitted display to accommodate a new, larger map. By making minor adjustments to the maps, FASTSIGNS solved the challenge of wayfinding for the non-profit in a cost-efficient way. The team has continued to create fresh designs that reflect the natural setting including retractable banner stands that were added in three prominent locations to advertise the nature center’s educational programs, preschool and seasonal opportunities.
The Result
FASTSIGNS has provided sustainable, eco-friendly signage solutions to the delight of the nature center staff. The road sign was constructed with western red cedar and all other products have been environmentally conscious, including recyclable aluminum in signage when possible, rather than plastic. Such eco-conscious decisions have allowed the Kalamazoo Nature Center to stay on track with their mission of providing enriching experiences that connect people to the natural world.