March 2024 Project of The Month: Lobby Bar at REN
In a quest to enhance its customer experience, Lobby Bar at REN embarked on a creative collaboration with Western Neon, a leader in innovative signage solutions. This partnership aimed to redefine the establishment's visual appeal, both inside and out, through meticulously designed signage that reflects the bar's commitment to excellence and ambiance. Western Neon's involvement in crafting a range of new signage for the Lobby Bar is a story of artistic collaboration, technical precision, and shared vision, heralding a new chapter in the bar's illustrious journey and setting the stage for further exciting developments at REN.
The large focal canopy-mounted sign proudly displays "LOBBY BAR" in 4-inch deep fabricated aluminum letters, painted in a sophisticated satin green. This choice of material and color not only ensures durability and visibility but also harmonizes with the bar's overall branding theme. The letters are brought to life with 1-inch thick clear acrylic faces, featuring a 3/4-inch edge reveal that adds depth and dimension to the signage. Translucent white vinyl is meticulously applied to the faces of the letters, enhancing their visibility and readability, while translucent green vinyl is applied to the backside of a clear polycarbonate backer. This thoughtful use of materials and colors creates a stunning visual effect that captures the eye of every passerby.
The illumination of the sign is where the magic truly happens. Backlit and halo-lit with 6500K white LEDs, the sign exudes a warm, welcoming glow that beckons guests from afar. The lighting not only highlights the sign's intricate details but also ensures that the lettering is a visible and inviting landmark at all hours. Mounted on 1-inch standoffs, the sign is set against a "splash" backer, creating an enchanting halo effect around the letters. The standoffs are painted to match the light tan brand color in a satin finish, integrating seamlessly with the overall design aesthetic. This careful consideration of color and lighting plays a crucial role in defining the sign's visual impact.
The sign's structural integrity and electrical components are ingeniously housed within a 6-inch deep fabricated aluminum raceway. This raceway, painted to match the outrigger color, contains all power supplies and wiring, ensuring a clean and uncluttered appearance. An access panel along the top of the raceway allows for easy maintenance without compromising the sign's aesthetic integrity. The "splash" backer, made from .090-inch thick routed aluminum, is painted to match the light tan brand color, creating a subtle yet striking backdrop for the illuminated letters. This backer is mounted flush to the raceway, further emphasizing the sign's sleek and modern design.
The exterior under-canopy blade signs of the Lobby Bar at REN are a marvel of modern signage, blending sophisticated design with advanced lighting technology. Each sign features a 4-inch deep fabricated aluminum sign cabinet, meticulously housed to conceal all power supplies and wiring, finished in a tasteful green. These cabinets are adorned with fabricated aluminum reverse channel face panels. A unique cove with a polycarbonate back and translucent green vinyl around the perimeter ingeniously conceals 6500K white LEDs, creating a captivating halo glow that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the sign cabinet, inviting a second glance from passersby and reinforcing the brand's presence with subtlety and elegance.
In the creation of the distinctive signage for the Lobby Bar at REN, the journey was a collaborative symphony of skill and creativity, showcasing the harmonious cooperation of all departments at Western Neon. From the initial sketches to the final installation, every phase was a testament to our integrated approach to craftsmanship.
The Design team kicked off the process, conceptualizing signs that would not only capture the essence of the Lobby Bar but also stand as works of art in their own right. With designs in hand, the project moved seamlessly into the capable hands of the Paint, Graphics and Metal Fabrication teams. Here, fabricated aluminum letters were meticulously crafted and painted, while back-lit letters were prepared to glow invitingly. Vinyl applications were applied with precision, creating dynamic textures and depth. The Installation team then brought the project across the finish line, ensuring that each sign was perfectly positioned. This project was a vibrant demonstration of Western Neon's commitment to excellence, achieved through the unity and shared expertise of all our departments.
At Western Neon, we are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Lobby Bar at REN on this exceptional signage project. This partnership not only allowed us to showcase our expertise in crafting bespoke signage solutions but also to contribute to the ambiance of a venue that epitomizes sophistication and relaxation. The successful completion of this project is a testament to the synergy between our creative visions and our shared commitment to excellence. It has been a truly rewarding experience to work alongside the team at Lobby Bar, whose dedication to creating an unforgettable atmosphere for their guests mirrors our dedication to design and craftsmanship. As we look ahead, we are filled with anticipation and excitement for the next two projects slated to appear at REN. These upcoming endeavors present an opportunity to further our collaboration, pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. We are eager to continue this fruitful partnership, bringing new ideas to life and further enhancing the REN experience for all who visit. This collaboration with Lobby Bar has been an inspiring journey, and we are thrilled to see what the future holds as we embark on these new projects together.
Western Neon creates custom signage, interiors, and public art. With over 35 years of experience, we make your vision a success from the first idea to the finishing touch. Start a project today!