Denver International Airport (DEN) - Comprehensive Signage Upgrade

When Denver International Airport (DEN) was looking for ways to upgrade its existing signage and wayfinding system, the airport enlisted the services of Gresham Smith to reimagine a comprehensive system. To address the airport’s needs, the firm conducted a comprehensive wayfinding assessment of all areas of the airport to determine how to improve the passenger wayfinding experience, as well as safety on the DEN roadway network.

The resulting recommendations became the foundation for Gresham Smith’s design of the improvements, which included the replacement of signage along the existing roadway and parking structures. Transforming the passenger experience, the new signage and wayfinding design provides clarity, enhances safety and matches the airport elevated brand experience.

Transforming the passenger experience, GS&P’s comprehensive signage and wayfinding upgrades at DEN create a welcoming and enjoyable environment that is reassuring to travelers and provides the world-class airport with an effective, intuitive and sustainable signage solution that contributes to its green mission.

roadside signs

million estimated cost savings

11.1

mile stretch

An Elegant Entrance

One of the highest-priority areas identified for signage improvements was Peña Boulevard, an 11.1-mile stretch of high-speed, access-controlled roadway that provides the primary vehicular access into the airport. Originally installed in 1993 and remodeled in 2000, the signage was outdated, had reached the end of its useful life and was no longer providing the efficient, comprehensive wayfinding that DEN desired.

As part of Gresham Smith’s sustainable design solution, 23 roadside signs and 22 overhead signs were replaced with a new signage system along Peña Boulevard, which features cost-effective, retroreflective sign faces that require little to no routine maintenance or electricity, unlike the airport’s previous internally and externally illuminated signage. Larger font sizes were incorporated into the new signs for improved visibility, legibility and safety, while simple and consistent messaging helps avoid confusion and directs passengers to their primary destinations in the most effective way.

Repurposing Existing Structures

The scope of work also included a structural analysis of existing overhead roadway signage by Gresham Smith engineers. This revealed the sign structures and foundations were still structurally sound after more than two decades and could be reused with minimal repair and maintenance. This yielded the client an estimated cost savings of $3 million to $4 million.

A New DEN Brand Experience

Transforming the passenger experience, Gresham Smith’s comprehensive signage and wayfinding upgrades at DEN create a welcoming and enjoyable environment that is reassuring to travelers and provides the world-class airport with an effective, intuitive and sustainable signage solution that contributes to its green mission.