Leading the way to the Parliament

Click here to view the full project: New Parliament of India

Our signage system for the new Parliament House was specially designed to accentuate its glory and prestige with our commitment to excellence for the Government of India.

We are proud to bring you the story of our signage design for the new parliament building, Bharatiya Sansad. The Parliament is the crowning glory of the Central Vista redevelopment, which includes the Central Secretariat, the Kartavya Path and several other prominent buildings of our country’s central administration. It is a matter of great privilege to be selected to design for a visionary project that historically bridges India of the past and propels it into the future.

A whole is more than the sum of its parts

The new Parliament House Building in India showcases the country’s cultural and civilizational history through its architectural design. Six animal sculptures guard the six entrances to the building, each representing different aspects of India’s heritage. The signage for the Parliament required an approach that distinguishes it from all others, being the seat of governance and the most significant national building. Our earlier design for Central Vista was comprehensively done with multiple sign families for the different building typologies. Our tailor-made design of letter-cut signage in solid brass for the Parliament House celebrates its unique identity and gives it pride of place. With carefully crafted bevels across the sign family, the design sets the structure apart, making a significant visual impact.

A timeless design

Brass is a natural material that resonates with Indian arts and craft, and brings out the timeless nature of Indian traditions. Symbolically, it is an ode to the strength, resilience and enduring nature of our democracy represented by the Parliament House. Brass also wonderfully compliments the warm wooden tones and carpeted surfaces, melding seamlessly with the grandeur of the design by HCP in rich and inviting details.

A visual signature

Our design philosophy was to make the signage not just informative but integral to the architecture. The three dimensional lettering, based on the custom font, Ashoka TPTQ, designed by Peter Biľak of Typotheque for the entire project, serves as a visual signature. The innovative ridge detail is a play on the bevel and a reminder of the ups and downs, challenges and triumphs of the democratic process. This bespoke approach adds an extra layer of significance and exclusivity, underlining the importance of the spaces like Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, letting the words stand out as symbols of eminence within the realm of governance.

Center Beveled Cast Brass Letter. Polished and coated with Clear PU Lacquer

Symbols of tradition and democracy

The signage, in its emblematic way, combines a profound respect for tradition, the pursuit of excellence, and an unwavering commitment to creating a space that encapsulates the triumph of democracy. The extended sign family comprises matte brass-finished panels with content in etched black infill, reflecting the elegant and handsome design language of the new Parliament House. Three types of bevel details were created, each representing a specific sign type. The carved edges further exemplify the meticulous attention to detail that defines the architectural choices and philosophy which permeates throughout the project.

All Sign Types

The complete sign family comprises Directional Identification, Information, Regulatory sign types with varied mounting typologies. The journey, from start to finish, is all about the right details, materials and finishes, adding to the magnificence of the New Parliament House.

Ensuring Universal Accessibility

The entire wayfinding system is bilingual and augmented with a Braille panel with all ergonomic features, making the interaction inclusive and universal.

The difference lies in details

Democracy goes hand in hand with innovation, heralding new ideas and the freedom to think in new ways. As designers of an accompanying system — signage — , we took it upon ourselves, with utmost pride, to make a difference through every detail. From the beveled letters to the solid brass panels and the innovative post-mounted signs on Kartavya Path, every design choice was a deliberate step towards creating a space that goes beyond functional requirements of a parliamentary institution to embody the values, aspirations, and rich history it represents.

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