The University of Connecticut's new, unified, look is about to be set in stone. Literally.

With a final design in hand, bids are nearly ready to be let to identify contractors who will then build and install more than 500 deep blue, metal UConn signs. The signs will highlight locations on every UConn campus, to help unify the University's visual identity. The external signs will include large entry signs to the Storrs and regional campuses and the UConn Health Center, as well as small directional and bus stop signs.

The blue signs will feature white lettering identifying both major and smaller buildings, campus maps, pedestrian and vehicular directional signs, and a variety of informational signs, including bus stops.

"This is another step in the direction of unifying our community, giving the University a single, clean, easily recognizable identity," says Scott Brohinsky, director of university communications. "And to have that consistent visual identity in Storrs, Hartford, Waterbury, Avery Point, Stamford, Torrington and Farmington will effectively communicate to the public the University's significant statewide presence."

The entry signs, signs identifying major buildings, and campus maps will bear the University's new logo. Each sign will feature the same white lettering on blue background, supported by black metal posts that match the University's Martha Washington lampposts. The signs are designed to hang from the piping, stopping several feet above ground to allow for the New England weather - keeping the actual sign above any snow, and allowing plows to clear roads and sidewalks.

The signage program will represent one of the rare times a single purchase will be made for a product that will be used at UConn's main and regional campuses as well as at the Health Center and School of Law. Signs will be similar at all campuses, but the bases for the entry signs will differ depending on location. For instance, the entry signs at Storrs may be fieldstone, while the Law School will feature granite bases, reflecting the materials in that campus's buildings. The Health Center will have yet another style base, reflecting the materials of choice for that location.

The signs also will use the same typeface as the University's new letterhead.

"The object was to create a signage system that brings cohesion with each campus, and among all campuses," says Mary Ann Rumney of Rumney Associates in New Haven, who designed the package in cooperation with Peter and Janet Good, whose firm designed UConn's new logo. "We were looking for a uniformity of shape and size," Rumney says. "Signs are integral to any type of renovation, they're so visible. It puts the University's best foot forward."

Brohinsky says the design and materials used for the frames and actual signs were selected because officials wanted signs that would be "functional, durable, flexible and attractive, but also appropriately priced. We needed a system that would be appropriate for the range of architectural styles that exist on our campuses."

Officials hope the bids will be out before year's end, with installation beginning in the spring.

Richard Veilleux