Signbox was commissioned by Multiplex, the global construction company, to deliver a stunning raft of architectural interior and wayfinding signs for Twentytwo, a prestigious new workplace concept located at 22 Bishopsgate in the City of London – the heart of the capital’s financial district. This project involved signage and wayfinding design during the fit out for this iconic building. A major part of this project was the installation of 7000 signs over 62 floors, that included lift lobby signage, statutory signage and wayfinding.
The Multiplex specification called for Signbox to supply and install Category A architectural signs to all 62 floors and stairwells of the 62-storey building. This was to prove a remarkable, yet challenging project that would see all signs manufactured inhouse by Signbox’s expert signmakers at our manufacturing base in Egham, Surrey.
A complex signage scheme for a truly holistic environment
The Twentytwo scheme incorporated statutory signage, manifestation to glass and walls, projecting signage for all lifts, stairwell signage and large format cut letters for every lift lobby. Magnetically fixed fire exit signs were manufactured for ease of installation and applied to every floor and room within the 22 Bishopsgate complex.
‘22 Bishopsgate has been designed to enhance the quality of life of its occupants by adding amenities which make the work experience more enjoyable and effective.’
Sir Stuart Lipton, Lipton Rogers
As with any commercial building of this size, world-class design, development, manufacturing as well as meticulous project management and engineering by the Signbox teams was critical to ensure every sign solution met both the requisite aesthetic design and functionality. Integral to the success of the project was the need to embrace and accommodate the needs of the diverse workforces within Twentytwo, which number some 12,000 people, along with the building’s visitors.
All large format numerals and letters, project signs for lifts, statutory signs and glass manifestation printed and installed inside the building were designed with a holistic approach in line with the 22 Bishopsgate ethos of putting people first in this ‘vertical village’.
Challenges and results
One of the biggest challenges for Signbox was the location. Working in an inner-city setting on a congested site with limited space to plan and store products and multiple contractors and services operating simultaneously in the same areas with tight timescales as each floor was released presented obvious challenges. Protecting completed work surfaces from other on-site contractors was also a crucial task for the Signbox installation team.
‘In the ensuing post-tender meetings, we demonstrated our knowledge and experience with materials, processes and project management,’ explained Neil Devery, Sales Manager at Signbox. ‘This, together with a demonstration of significant cost savings, impressed all interested parties, including Multiplex, PLP Architects and Endpoint Ltd.’
Twentytwo at 22 Bishopsgate is a prestigious project in the heart of the City of London by AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets, acting on behalf of a consortium of international investors and its development partner, Lipton Rogers Developments and designed by PLP Architects.
A glowing review
Signbox was delighted to receive a glowing commendation from Multiplex, who rated our project on key elements of quality alongside commercial and site performance. You can read the review in full here.
Please download our pdf presentation that covers all aspects of this remarkable signage project.
