Signbox has completed a comprehensive signage project at UBM’s new headquarters located in a landmark development at 240 Blackfriars, Central London. The architectural sign specialist was commissioned by main contractor Swift Refurbishments to devise and implement a bespoke brand communication solution to bring the intricate interior concept to fruition.
UBM worked with award-winning architectural designer Gensler to create an office environment that reflected the professionalism and reputation of the global media brand. Manufacturing a range of creative solutions to detailed specifications, Signbox translated Gensler’s 2D vision into a 3D reality.
The main scope of the project called for a series of bespoke wall art installations, constructed from CNC machined Medite MDF, fabricated and painted to a high quality finish at the entrance to each floor plate. The pièce de résistance being a striking 16 square metre backdrop wall in reception, comprising routed Corian® panels embedded with LED lighting. A unique light pattern is provided through DMX control and activated by movement sensing PIR.
Another showpiece feature developed for UBM by Swift Refurbishments with Signbox is an LED illuminated glass monolith at the street level entrance. The UBM brand is replicated in fabricated stainless steel and projects through multi layers of 20mm thick glass panels.
Environmental graphics promote UBM’s global presence with a colour palette of silhouettes from iconic buildings and skyscrapers from around the world. Digitally printed by Signbox on laminated 3M vinyl, Digimura wallpaper and optically clear Lintec film; the graphics run consistently across internal glazing, partitions and doors. A simple, secondary manifestation was designed for the remainder of the office glazed partitions, meeting DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliancy purposes.
David Vaughan, Director of Swift Refurbishments, comments: “Signbox’s experience in project management was an important factor for us. We were looking for a supplier that did more than just create and install signage solutions; we wanted a partner that could work harmoniously alongside all the other contractors on-site to deliver a professional job for a world-renowned brand.”
Mark Bartlett, Signbox’s Managing Director, explains: “This complex and challenging project required great finesse and foresight, to deliver on time. Beyond our creative approach, we had to be organised, communicative and flexible at all times and, judging from Swift and UBM’s feedback on the end-result, we did just that.”
