ARCHIFORM LED™ is an architectural LED lightbox in which the CNC‑routed face, extended acrylic, structure and light form one cohesive signage system.

The solution delivers a three‑dimensional lighting effect without illuminating the entire front surface. Light appears exactly where it is designed to: in the letters, symbol, outline or logo detail.

At ARCHIFORM LED™, the front panel made of aluminium composite or aluminium is precision CNC-milled according to the sign design. The cut-out areas create space for acrylic, which captures the LED light and diffuses it outward.

As a result, the logo is not a print or a flat graphic. It becomes an illuminated architectural detail of the space, maintaining clarity, proportions and a more refined visual character.

ARCHIFORM LED™ is the right choice when signage should deliver a dimensional effect without looking like a heavy illuminated sign or a simple glowing panel.

The system performs best with logos featuring strong typography, a clear symbol, a distinct outline, or details that can be enhanced with light. It is a solution for spaces where the sign should emphasize the brand’s stature and the quality of the architecture.

A standard lightbox typically addresses the need for visibility. ARCHIFORM LED™ addresses the need for control: of light, proportions, depth, finish, and the way the sign is perceived within a space.

It is the difference between a product selected solely by size and a system tailored to the logo, façade, interior, viewing distance, and the desired brand impact.

ARCHIFORM LED™ is not always the best choice. If the logo is to be produced in a fully custom contour shape, LOGOFORM LED™ may be a better solution. If a large, replaceable graphic area is required, a textile SEG lightbox or a large-format Flex Face sign may be more suitable. If classic long-distance visibility is the top priority, a simpler lightbox system or LED channel letters can be considered.

The choice of technology should be based on the logo shape, sign scale, desired lighting effect, installation location, and the way the signage will be used.

In ARCHIFORM LED™ systems, the LED modules operate within the structure, while the routed face blocks light everywhere except in the designed areas. The acrylic captures the light and directs it through the front, the edge, or a selected detail of the sign.

As a result, the lighting effect is more precise, refined, and architectural than in traditional lightboxes, where the entire surface is illuminated.

Acrylic can be aligned flush with the face, subtly extended beyond the front, or manufactured as a thicker block element. Each option delivers a different level of dimensionality, light intensity and perceived detail.

Most common production options:
– flush acrylic for a clean, minimalist look
– extended acrylic beyond the face for added depth and stronger edge illumination
– block acrylic for a more dimensional, jewel-like sign effect

Depending on the design, you can achieve face illumination, a glowing edge, a subtle halo effect, or a version where the sign face remains more material-driven while the light appears mainly along the acrylic edge.

The choice of effect depends on the logo, sign scale, installation location, required visibility and brand character. A façade sign is designed differently than one for a reception area, and differently again for a premium interior.

At ARCHIFORM LED™, the daytime appearance is just as important as the nighttime effect. The face panel, acrylic color, milling quality, component fit, letter proportions, and surface finish all influence how the sign is perceived when the lights are off.

A well-designed architectural lightbox should not only look good after dark. It should maintain its quality in the morning, in daylight, up close, and from a distance.

ARCHIFORM LED™ can be manufactured with a front made of aluminium composite panel, powder-coated aluminium or a material individually selected for the project. The acrylic can be opal, tinted, transparent, solid or prepared for a specific lighting effect.

The front finish may be matte, satin, metallic, brushed or aligned with the brand’s visual identity. PRETENDE selects the material, colour, depth, acrylic thickness and type of illumination according to the location and the desired effect.

ARCHIFORM LED™ is designed with the installation site in mind, including the type of substrate, structural weight, power routing, service access and the operating conditions of the sign.

A façade lightbox is engineered differently than one for interior use, a shopping mall requires a different approach than a prestigious reception area. The structure, illumination, power supply and mounting method must work as one cohesive system.

The biggest mistake is treating a lightbox with a CNC-routed face as a simple box with a cut-out logo. In practice, quality is defined by details that are often not visible at the quotation stage but become obvious after installation.

The most common issues:
– acrylic that is too thin
– uneven illumination
– visible LED hotspots
– insufficient depth of the construction
– poor light diffusion
– imprecise fitting of the acrylic to the routed face
– no service access
– an overall form that looks random and unrefined

PRETENDE manages the entire process – from site analysis, design and technology selection to production, logistics and installation. ARCHIFORM LED™ is not selected based on dimensions alone, but on the desired visual effect, function, scale, installation location and quality standard.

We analyse the logo, proportions, viewing distance, exposure conditions, colour scheme, substrate type and service access. Only then do we determine the appropriate production variant.

ARCHIFORM LED™ performs perfectly on facades, in shopping arcades, showrooms, reception areas, boutiques, retail stores, offices, restaurants, hotels and premium service environments.

It is a solution for spaces where signage is meant to be part of the first impression — not an advertising add-on attached to the architecture.

ARCHIFORM LED™ is designed for brands seeking a clean, dimensional and more architectural effect than a standard illuminated lightbox.

It’s a solution for investors, architects and companies who prefer to handle signage professionally from the start—rather than dealing later with issues related to light quality, installation or overall visual impact.

The price of ARCHIFORM LED™ depends on the dimensions, logo shape, type of face, thickness and type of acrylic, LED technology, construction depth, finish, installation location, transport and project scope.

This is not a catalogue product selected solely by size. Each project requires an analysis of the logo, location, desired lighting effect and technical conditions.

To prepare a quotation, we require: the logo file in vector format, the desired dimensions, a photo of the installation site, information about the sign location, and the preferred lighting effect.

Please also indicate whether the signage will be installed on the façade, indoors, in a reception area, shopping mall, showroom, retail unit or a premium space.