What are wayfinding solutions?
Wayfinding solutions help people navigate a physical environment by enhancing their understanding or experience of the environment. Signage in an airport indicating a restroom or an exit sign in a parking garage are simple examples of wayfinding solutions. Wayfinding is an important aspect of architectural design, and indicators are strategically placed all around us for direction, identification, and safety. In addition to signs, wayfinding solutions may include tactile surfaces, railings, colors, maps, and other design elements to familiarize people with the functionality and features of a space. These indicators are critical in multifaceted spaces, like hospitals and universities, where Robin Steel has often been contracted to provide ADA-compliant wayfinding solutions for the visually impaired as well as photoluminescent path markings for emergency egress. We recognize that people must be able to find their way as fully, safely, and independently as possible. We provide superior wayfinding solutions–enabling people to navigate with ease, speed, and the utmost security.
What are luminous egress path markings and why are they important?
Imagine being 20 floors up in an office building and instructed to evacuate the building immediately. Next, consider the possibility of evacuating in complete darkness. Sight is an ability that many people take for granted, but a blackout emergency can drastically impair one’s vision. How would you safely evacuate in a 9/11 situation? You would rely on luminous egress path markings in a code-compliant building. These path markings consist of photoluminescent materials that do not require electricity or other backup power sources. They are self-illuminating signs and markers for step-edges, handrails, certain perimeters and obstructions, and door handle markers. These intelligently designed and meticulously tested systems are meant to become an integral part of a building or structure. They are proven to speed egress while also assisting first responders to safely and quickly navigate inside.
Does my building need luminous egress path markings?
After the first bombing of the World Trade Center, codes were implemented for emergency egress in vertical enclosures. Reputable studies indicate that improving and enhancing the visibility of step-edges, handrails, and certain obstructions greatly reduces the time to exit a building while ultimately increasing safety. Texas has made it mandatory for all new and existing high-rise residential and commercial buildings to install a luminous egress path marking system that some refer to as photoluminescent path markings. Property managers and building owners can refer to their local AHJ on the timeline for the adoption of the codes.
Why choose Robin Steel?
Robin Steel is the only specialty contractor in the Dallas area that solely provides wayfinding solutions and specializes in luminous egress path markings. Our code specialist brings more than 13 years of code and industry expertise to our team. Our code expertise and narrow scope are clear competitive advantages as well as our installation crew and product knowledge. All Robin Steel superintendents and crew leads are way-finding solution specialists and firefighters. They are closely familiar with fire inspection criteria and driven to ensure compliance to assist first responders. They know that a properly installed luminous egress path marking system also serves as a reliable navigation tool for first respond-ers to quickly and safely enter a building. Our business practices leverage our owner’s deeply rooted background in Microsoft business development and strategic partnerships which adds to our credibility. We understand the P&L impact of a failed inspection or untimely product failure, so we work on our clients’ behalf to lessen opportunity costs and sunk costs. We provide the maximum manufacturer warranty and guarantee code compliance on every project.
ROBIN STEEL is an industry-leading wayfinding solutions company specializing in luminous egress path markings. The company caters to the most prestigious Class A office buildings representing the highest-quality architecture and amenities. Other clients include large and multifaceted university, hospitality, and healthcare facilities making sizeable investments in accessibility. Robin Steel works closely with leading architects, engineering firms, and local AHJs to develop plans for IBC/IFC compliant luminous egress installations and beautifully designed ADA-compliant tactile wayfinding solutions. As the trailblazer in Dallas-Fort Worth for luminous egress path markings, Robin Steel has earned the top-seller ranking for Ecoglo nationwide. It is also growing its position as a skilled pedestrian handrail provider for TxDOT. Follow Robin Steel on LinkedIn and Instagram (@_robinsteel) for more information.
Author
