Totem Signs for Entrances, Directories and Wayfinding

• Entrances to offices, clinics and business parks where space is tight.
• Directory signs listing tenants or departments.
• Wayfinding at forks in a site, directing visitors to the right building or car park.
• Retail and hospitality sites that need a modest, branded presence at the street.
• Campuses, schools and estates with several entrances.
• Car parks where a vertical marker signals levels or zones.

For tall, long-range visibility, see illuminated pylon signs. For wider, lower and heavier signs, see monument signs.

• Single-sided or double-sided: double-sided totems read from both directions of travel.
• Fixed brand header with changeable panels: brand at the top, tenant or direction panels below.
• Shaped profiles: a silhouette cut to echo the logo.
• Fabricated lettering: raised letters for depth.
• Integrated arrows and numbers: for wayfinding versions.
• Interior totems: shorter, lighter versions for lobbies and malls.

• Aluminium or steel structure, painted or powder-coated.
• Aluminium composite or sheet faces.
• Acrylic for lit faces and changeable inserts.
• Stainless steel or brushed metal details for premium versions.
• Vinyl graphics, reflective or standard, depending on use.

Totems suit lighting well because their form is already a vertical box or panel.

• Internally lit faces give an even glow. See LED lightbox signs.
• Lit brand header only with unlit directory panels to keep the sign readable without glare.
• Edge or halo effects for premium versions.
• Unlit totems work well where ambient lighting is good, and reflective vinyl can help.

Lit totems need a buried or concealed power feed. Colour-changing or animated lighting is subject to technical assessment and confirmed availability.

Choose a totem when ground space is limited and the sign must carry a name, directory or directions. Choose a pylon when it must be seen from a main road. Choose a monument sign for a heavier, lower, architectural statement. Choose a freestanding business sign for a simple board on posts. For internal directories, see office directory boards.

• Proportion: a totem is slim, so text must be sized so it can be read from the position of a driver or pedestrian. As a rough guide, many designers allow around 25 mm of letter height per 10 m of viewing distance. We confirm on site.
• Foundation: slim, tall structures need properly sized footings.
• Changeable panels: panel systems must be weatherproofed so they open for updates without letting dirt in.
• Sightlines: position totems so they do not block drivers.
• Vehicle protection: totems near car parks may need bollards or a robust base.
• Electrical access: lit totems need a safe supply.
• Approvals: landlord, body corporate and municipal rules are checked during survey and design.

• Height and face size.
• Single or double-sided.
• Number of changeable panels.
• Lit or unlit.
• Shaped profile or standard rectangle.
• Foundation and installation method.
• Graphics and lettering method.
• Number of totems in a set.

Wipe faces regularly and keep an eye on panel seals and vinyl edges. Changeable panels should be refreshed when tenant names are replaced, so old graphics do not show through. Lit totems should be inspected for failed modules. See signage cleaning and maintenance.

Totem surveys and installations are arranged by appointment across Gauteng.

Areas we regularly plan surveys and installations in include: Sandton, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Centurion, Woodmead. See the full list on the areas page.