West Yorkshire Fire Service

We were recently asked to specify some external and internal signage,  for the recently completed £2.3 million training centre for WYFS headquarters at Birkenshaw, Bradford.
Although the brief was rather vague, we were asked to produce something “special” to showcase this prestigious new building.
Our first problem was access to the parade ground elevation, as the desired location was over 30 mtrs high, and was obstructed by an overhanging canopy.
We like nothing more than a challenge...
As there were to be three sets of letters and logos, we felt that something with a bit of contour would be appropriate for the height of the signs, and the viewing distances involved.
At our first client meeting, we took along miniature samples of our proposals, in order to move things forward.
The lettering would be constructed from laser-cut 3mm brushed stainless steel, for durability and ease of maintainance.
The logos presented a little more consideration, but in the end we settled on a 5mm acrylic “star”, with a mild steel shield that had to be hand beaten into a curved finish, and then powder coated.
Our Access partners Nationwide surveyed the site, and recommended a hydraulic boom that would enable access, and also allow us to safely install the signage.
We were also asked to produce an eye-catching wall sign for the main reception area, and we came up with a 12mm clear acrylic panel, with a 3D logo, mounted directly to the wall with 25mm satin aluminium spacers.
To carry on the theme throughout the site, we installed free-standing directional signs, with interchangeable panels, and mini versions of the logo.
The whole project took over four weeks to complete due to high winds, but the client was well pleased with the finished results.
Do you know what, you take on some projects and think “Have we reached the limits of our capabilities yet ?”.
And gradually as you find solutions to each problem that arises, you think “We’re not too bad....”