University of Birmingham, The Exchange Signage & Wayfinding

Client

University of Birmingham

Role

Signage & wayfinding, signage design, map design

Location

Centenary Square, Birmingham, UK

Project

The Exchange is a Grade II listed former bank in Birmingham’s Centenary Square, now reimagined by the University of Birmingham as a standalone public building and events space.

Founded as the Birmingham Municipal Bank, it carries a strong civic identity and distinctive architectural character. As the University prepared to open the building as a new hub for research, teaching, and community engagement, it needed clear wayfinding, signage, and sign design that could serve diverse audiences while respecting the site’s heritage.

The Exchange, University of Birmingham, building signage

The Vaults signage at The Exchange, Birmingham

The Exchange ground floor freestanding signage solution

Our approach

ABG Design worked closely with the University team to understand visitor flows and building use. We focused on clarity, accessibility, and minimal, heritage-sensitive interventions that enhanced rather than competed with the architecture.

Because of the Grade II listing, many signs could not be fixed to historic surfaces, so the wayfinding signage system included floating and freestanding elements positioned carefully within the space.

A clear hierarchy and placement strategy were developed, expressed through a contemporary visual language drawn from The Exchange brand palette and typography.

Solution

We delivered a complete signage and wayfinding strategy suite that complements the building’s historic beauty while providing clear navigation for everyday visitors and event users.

The mix of discreet wall-mounted, floating, and freestanding signs ensures accessibility without harming the fabric of the building. The result balances modern brand expression with a sensitive response to the classical setting, helping The Exchange feel welcoming, legible, and easy to use.