UNI-CITY Mall Wayfinding Signage

Project:

UNI-CITY

Client:

Vanke

Industry:

Retail & Malls

Location:

Shanghai, China

Completion Year:

2023

Project Overview

Scope:

Design refinement, fabrication, and construction/ installation. Mainly includes large outdoor pillar-mounted directional signs, gantry-type vehicle directional signs, and indoor/outdoor signage systems.

Role:

System Engineering & Detailed design，Manufacturing，Installation

Material:

Stainless steel curved bending process, perforated metal sheet, LED screen

Project Scale:

Shanghai Vanke Sky City (UNI-CITY) is a super TOD complex with a total construction area of ​​approximately 800,000 square meters.

>> CHALLENGE

● Structural Adaptation Challenges in a Megastructure

As a project above a vehicle depot, the building structure features numerous transfer levels, irregular elevation differences, large-span cantilevered sections, and megastructure landscapes (such as rooftop running tracks and grand staircases). The irregular foundations for signage installation necessitate high-precision fixing to non-standard structures (such as curved retaining walls and steel bridges) without compromising the overall megastructure aesthetic.

● Information Layering in a "Miniature City":

Serving four groups of people-commuters, shoppers, residents, and office workers-within a single physical space of 800,000 square meters requires a highly precise layered signage system. This necessitates facilitating rapid entry for subway passengers into commercial areas, ensuring privacy in residential areas, and establishing efficient access control and floor guidance in office areas. This presents a high risk of information overload and interference.

>> SOLUTION

● Customized Integrated Structure:

For the unique structure of the superstructure project, a non-standard customization strategy is adopted, integrating the signage support structure with the building frame and landscape retaining wall. Extensive use of lightweight composite materials and flexible connectors achieves seamless integration of the signage with the building's texture.

● Modular Information Hierarchical Management:

Establish a three-tiered information pyramid: "Overview - Region - Location". A large comprehensive index is located at the main entrance, regional guidance is provided at business type distribution points, and functional signs are displayed at specific destinations. All signs utilize a unified modular system, allowing for rapid updates and maintenance across different business types by replacing information panels, adapting to the phased development and dynamic adjustment characteristics of TOD projects.

>> IMPACT

Achieving a Symbiotic Relationship Between "Megastructure Aesthetics" and "Functional Wayfinding"

With strong support from architectural and landscape design, the signage system, through precise structural adaptation, becomes a visual anchor point reinforcing the spatial sequence, proving that signage can form a complete spatial experience with architecture and landscape in a mega-complex.

Enhancing the "Spatial Readability" of Asset Operations

Clear circulation logic reduces the risk of commercial "cold zones," improves access efficiency for offices and residences, reduces key infrastructure operating costs, and strengthens the project's brand penetration.

From Design to Delivery

DIKA SIGN manages every stage of the project with clear responsibility and cost control.

Delivering reliable results through optimized manufacturing processes and disciplined on-site execution.