Sign of the times

Gerhard Hope

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) has unveiled new commercial signage regulations, in addition to what it terms a ‘storefront policy’, aimed at standardising the aesthetic appearance of building façades.

This also covers “the use of public space for equipment and storage.” The regulations are very specific, encompassing all aspects from “permitted commercial typologies” to specifications, dimensions and positioning. They are applicable across the emirate, and will apply to “all permanent new and existing signage on buildings,” according to Eng. Amer Al Hammadi, director of planning and infrastructure at the Urban Planning Council (UPC).

Do such regulations impinge on commercial freedom or entrepreneurial spirit in any way? Precisely how is the UPC going to enforce the regulations, and what penalties will be occurred by violations – and how will such violations be graded or ranked?

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Abu Dhabi is already leading the UAE in terms of green building with its Estidama Pearl rating system, widely praised for being more region- or context-specific than international systems like LEED (and quietly bemoaned by contractors and consultants for the rigour of its requirements and stipulations).

Are the new signage regulations an indication that Abu Dhabi is getting too involved in the nitty-gritty of its urban fabric? What on earth could signage have to do with sustainability or green building? It is a perfectly reasonable question, and the answer provides a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of the UPC and the Abu Dhabi Municipality in general.

Architects design buildings not only to be landmarks, but also to be part of specific communities or areas. These buildings are required to ‘blend in’, as it were. This is perhaps difficult to do if such architectural gems become festooned with gaudy signage, with each building trying to outdo the next in terms of its illuminated marketing. It also raises the issue of light pollution, a very real problem in major cities all over the world.

The UPC explains that the new signage regulations abide with the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, which calls for more livable, comfortable and aesthetically-pleasing public spaces, in line with Estidama. “The regulations are aimed at raising the standard and consistency of all permanent commercial signs across our Emirate,” said Eng. Al Hammadi.

The regulations define specific ‘signage zones’, based on the location of the specific business within the building, as well as taking into account location and screening restrictions related to air-conditioners and gas cylinders, for example.

This will ensure the maximum utilisation of public space, as well as enhancing health and safety in general within buildings.

New signage design guidelines indicate that no sign or portion of a sign may cover an integral architectural element of a structure, obstructs views into and out of business premises, or advertise third-party products. The intention here is plain, but again it raises the issue of regulation and enforcement.