Dhaka Novo Theater

A multi-typology signage system for one of Dhaka's landmark public cultural institutions combining wayfinding, fire safety, and environmental graphics across a complex multi-level venue.

Location

Bijoy Sarani Avenue, Tejgaon, Dhaka 1215

Year

2025

An architectural study defining the threshold between interior composure and wild landscape.

Material Items: NameDescription1.5mm & 3mm Metal Sheet with Duco PaintPrimary substrate for wall-mounted maps and directional signs. Duco finish in blue, yellow, and orange delivers a bold, level-coded visual system with excellent indoor durability.2mm White Acrylic Letter CutRaised lettering for block identifiers and primary directional signs. Laser-cut acrylic provides high-contrast legibility in low-light lobby conditions.Semi-Translucent Stickers (200 sq ft)Applied to glass walls and doors throughout the facility — providing privacy film, environmental graphics, and wayfinding cues in a single application.6mm & 3mm Acrylic with PVC BoardUsed for the changeable ticket price board at the information counter. Acrylic drawer mechanism allows staff to update exhibition names and prices without specialist tools.UV-Printed PictogramsApplied to regulatory and fire safety signage. Internationally recognised pictograms with red fire safety accents ensure compliance and instant universal comprehension.

Architect's Note

The Dhaka Novo Theater project represents Circle Studio's most technically complex signage commission to date — a 267 sq ft system deployed across a multi-level public venue containing a planetarium, 5D movie theatre, conference rooms, auditorium, scientific library, exhibition spaces, and VR zone. The design process began with a full circulation analysis of pedestrian flow across all levels (Ground, Level 01, Level -01, Level -02) before any sign type was specified. The resulting system comprises wall-mounted floor plan maps (Type 1), free-standing level directory totems (Type 2), block identifier signs, directional corridor signs, a fire exit system with red-highlighted escape routes, and a changeable acrylic ticketing display at the information counter — all fabricated and installed by the Circle Studio team.

Dhaka Novo Theater image
Dhaka Novo Theater image
Dhaka Novo Theater gallery image
Dhaka Novo Theater gallery image
Dhaka Novo Theater gallery image
Dhaka Novo Theater gallery image
The Novo Theater brief demanded a signage system that could serve two very different audiences in the same space: the general public navigating a multi-level building, and institutional users requiring regulatory fire safety compliance. The solution uses a bold three-colour scheme blue, yellow, and orange to differentiate levels and zone types, with red reserved strictly for fire exit paths. Two signage types anchor the system: wall-mounted 8×4ft floor maps for primary navigation, and 2.4×1.6m free-standing directory totems at key lobby nodes.

Atmospheric Concept

Dhaka Novo Theater gallery image
Dhaka Novo Theater gallery image
Dhaka Novo Theater gallery image
Dhaka Novo Theater gallery image
Dhaka Novo Theater gallery image
Dhaka Novo Theater gallery image

I. Material Palette

II. Spatial Schedule

Built Volume 267 sq ft
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