How to Choose the Right Design & Materials for your High-Rise Building Signage?
Why Your Building Signage Choice Matters
Your high-rise building signage is more than just a label on your façade; it’s your brand’s first impression, your silent salesperson, and often your most enduring marketing asset.
In Singapore’s competitive business environment, where dozens of brands compete for attention in a single street or tower, the right signage can mean the difference between being noticed or overlooked.
But choosing building signage isn’t as simple as picking a font or installing lights. To make the right decision, you need to carefully consider both design and materials, ensuring they align with your brand’s identity, your building’s architecture, and Singapore’s regulatory requirements.
Let’s break it down.
Designing Building Signage: What to Consider
Designing signage is a balancing act – it must look attractive, be highly functional, and comply with Singapore’s building standards. Here are the key factors you should weigh before finalising your design.
1. Define the Purpose of Your Signage
Ask yourself: What do I want this signage to achieve? Is it to make your corporate headquarters stand tall and professional? Or to create a welcoming, warm atmosphere for a hospitality brand? The purpose will guide the entire design process, from font selection to illumination style.
Some businesses may need dual-purpose signage (e.g.,to enhance the branding and as wayfinding solutions), which should be considered early.
2. Consider the Building and Surroundings
Signage should blend seamlessly with the building façade while still being visible from key vantage points. Think about how natural light, shadows, and surrounding sign clutter (neighboring brands) may affect visibility.
For example, a sign on a busy expressway-facing building may require larger fonts and brighter illumination, while signage in a quiet business park can be more understated.
3. Industry and Brand Identity
Your industry also influences your signage style. A corporate HQ benefits from sleek, minimalist signage with metallic finishes, while a hospitality or lifestyle business often leans towards softer, warmer designs that feel approachable and inviting.
The same principle applies to color choices: hospital building signage illuminated in pink, red (except for ‘Emergency’), or with repeated gradients can project a less professional and less trustworthy image, as compared to just white illuminated.
4. Readability and Consistency
Even the most beautiful signage is ineffective if people can’t read it quickly. Use fonts that reflect your corporate identity while maintaining high readability at a distance. Large, clear fonts with consistent brand colours are essential for brand recall.
Colour contrast matters as signage should be legible not just in daylight but also at night when illuminated.
5. Maintenance and Integration
Great signage isn’t just about looks; it’s also about longevity. Ensure your design considers:
- Waterproofing and weather resistance (crucial for Singapore’s tropical climate).
- Proper electrical connections for illuminated signage.
- Smooth integration with the building’s architecture.
- Regular cleaning schedules can be considered, to maintain the brand image.
6. Compliance with Regulations
In Singapore, most facade signage cannot be put up without approval. Approvals also vary depending on whether signage is outdoor, rooftop, or building-mounted. Each has slightly different requirements in Singapore.
For most cases, you’ll need to apply for a BCA Advertising License for Signage (ALS). If your building is a heritage property, approvals may also be required from URA.
Here’s a helpful guide: How to Apply for an Advertising License for Signage in 2025.
Building Signage materials for high-rise commercial building in Singapore
The material you choose for your signage affects not only its look but also its durability and maintenance. Here are the most common options in Singapore:
1. Acrylic
Acrylic signage is one of the most popular choices for the front surface of illuminated signs. It allows LED lights to shine evenly, making it perfect for front-lit signage.
Its sleek finish also creates a modern, professional appearance that works well for corporate environments. It’s also available in various finishes (glossy or matte) to suit branding needs.
2. Aluminium
Aluminium is the backbone of many 3D box-up channel letters, forming the sides and back of the signage. Lightweight yet sturdy, aluminium is ideal for Singapore’s weather because it is anti-rust, corrosion-resistant, and durable against daily sun and rain exposure.
It’s lightweight but can also be powder-coated or spray painted in corporate colours. It is one of the most reliable choices for long-lasting metal signage.
3. Vinyl Prints & Banners
For large-format applications such as lightboxes or building banners, vinyl prints are the go-to material. They allow for vibrant corporate colours, detailed graphics, and seamless finishes — perfect for high-impact advertising campaigns.
Banners are also cost-effective for covering large surfaces with jointless, illuminated designs.
Key Takeaways: What Makes Signage Effective
The right building façade signage should be:
- Visible – Easily spotted from near and far.
- Readable – Clear fonts and colours for instant recognition.
- Memorable – Leaves a lasting impression of your brand.
- Aligned with Architecture – Blends seamlessly with the building design.
- Consistent with Brand Identity – Reflects your industry and values.
When these factors come together, your signage becomes more than just a marker, it becomes a powerful brand statement.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right building signage design and materials is a long-term investment in your brand’s success.
From visibility and durability to compliance and aesthetics, every detail matters. With the right partner, your signage can elevate your brand presence and make a strong impression every single day.
Need expert help in this aspect? See our Building Signage services. From design consultancy to authority approvals, fabrication, and installation, Big Image Group ensures your brand is represented with professionalism and impact. Contact us for a free materials consultation
