A D Bell Sign Systems select built-up metal letters to create new signage for Leeds Beckett University
With a six-week timescale, A D Bell Sign Systems have created new signage for Leeds Beckett University using face illuminated built-up metal letters from Applelec.
Changing its name from Leeds Metropolitan University to Leeds Beckett University, the new signage was installed to coincide with the first day of enrolment of the new intake of 10,000 first year students on Monday 22nd September 2014.
The built-up letters have been constructed in a rim and return style with white opal acrylic faces lit with SloanLED VL Plus modules. The brief from Leeds Beckett University was to create impactful signage with a classic, timeless feel to reflect the 190-year history of the university which traces its origins back to the Leeds Mechanics Institute established in the city in 1824.
With simple white illumination and a subtle colour template, the sign’s desired impact is achieved due to the sheer scale of each letter which exceeds 1.5m in height. Powder coated in silver, and with large white faces, the signage is equally effective when non-illuminated during daylight hours as it is after nightfall once the letters are lit. After dark, the signage can be seen glowing across the city.
Simon Bell of A D Bell said: ‘As one of our biggest jobs this year, we’re delighted with the results of this latest collaboration with Applelec. The signage precisely mirrors the artwork we created meaning our customer was suitably impressed with a sign that met all expectations at a crucial time for Leeds Beckett University.’
In signs as large as this, each letter requires its own power supply. These power supplies are fed back to two purpose-built wiring enclosures, where each letter is clearly labelled to aid future maintenance and repair work. Featuring built-up back-trays, each letter was secured to the building façade using a chemical resin anchor.
Michael Crotch, Applelec sales advisor, said: ‘It’s great to see our latest large format lettering job making such an impact. As a trade supplier, Applelec is always ready to provide advice on wiring and fixing methods for our products; in this case the use of wiring enclosures.’
A D Bell Sign Systems are the fixed signage contractor for Leeds Beckett University and will be working on many more projects in coming months as the university continues to refresh its sign and display systems.