Totem Signage Design

🛠 Scope

This case study showcases a complete signage design process for a freestanding multi-brand pylon, typically placed near shopping centres or retail parks. The focus was on:

• Modularity and easy maintenance

• Mixed branding styles (face-lit, vinyl, neon-style)

• Structural realism and production-ready layout

🔍 Objectives

• Present four distinct brand styles in a single vertical structure

• Demonstrate build-up letters, LED edge-glow effects, vinyl applications and neon-style illumination

• Visualize realistic mounting system, base foundation and access

• Simulate night visibility and brand recognition in varied lighting conditions

💡 Design Process

Concept & 3D modelling

The design was fully modelled in AutoCAD 3D, based on realistic construction principles. Every bracket, steel profile and spacing was aligned with manufacturing tolerances.

Lighting & Branding Strategy

Each signage panel was customized:

• Aura Centre — white face-lit push-through letters for high visibility

• Brewsmith Caféteria — CNC cut letters with rusted Corten texture

• Norma Streetwear — bold, white build-up letters with red details

• Atomic Cinema — neon-style edge-glow acrylic with colored diffusion

Rendering & Visuals

All renders were created in Twinmotion (Path Tracer) with high sample count and denoising enabled, to simulate:

• Night-time lighting

• Material contrast

• Realistic light bleed and reflections

Construction Details

• Steel profiles: 80x80x5 mm powder-coated

• Foundation base: concrete core with reinforcement cage

• Panel mounting: accessible via hidden faceplate screws

• Electrical access: top and bottom service doors + emergency kill switch

🧱 Foundation Detail

Model includes full visualization of underground reinforcement:

• Anchored steel rods

• Cross-tied rebar cage

• Realistic rust/oxidation detail
  (case study render shows reinforcement penetrating concrete base)

🔎 Design Highlights

✔️ Exploded views and technical layouts prepared in AutoCAD
✔️ Ready for DXF export and CNC preparation
✔️ Compatible with face-lit modules and LED flex neon
✔️ Modular system – each brand panel can be serviced independently

💬 Final Notes

This totem is part of my portfolio of signage systems combining architecture, brand logic and fabrication readiness. Each element is not just visual — it’s ready for production.