IMPORTANT NOTICE-NATALIE MEADOWS IS WRITING THIS POST, I WAS UNABLE TO LOG INTO MY OWN ACCOUNT.Signs are a vital part of our consumer society. They are what first catch our eye, and draw u
s to further explore the restaurant, store or other various advertised businesses. Signs can convey a multitude of messages through the colors, font, words and light patterns. We first began our exploration of the Sugar House region, near 13th East on 21 South. The initial signs we saw were very commercial and almost stereotypical. Icons such as Mc
Donald's, Carl's Jr., Barns and Noble and Old Navy shown through the dark, offering an almost
comforting feeling with their complete familiarity. As we walked further west, however, the signage became less familiar and more quaint, advertising a more unique variety of stores and restaurants. The variety of signs within this one area presents the message that Salt Lake is a city that can support both the expected corporate chains as well as hometown businesses. The overall presence of this area is not one of purpose. One would visit this shopping area with a specific goal in mind, rather than for a day of hanging about in an effort to find something to occupy oneself. We frequently ran into signs advertising events, which typically followed the slogan; the more oddly memorable, the better. Overall we left Sugar House with a desire to return, when we no longer find ourselves as poor college freshman.
One of the things I most love about Sugarhouse is the blend of historic and contemporary signs. The granite star-cluster, the Nu-Crisp popcorn sign, the old Snelgrove's ice cream cone are all cultural icons representing a very different time and distinctive place. Some of the signs are about handing out information, others are directional, others are intended to create a sense of fun or excitement. Sugarhouse's sign tend to be unique to this particular place rather than generic or bland. Even the franchise businesses for the most part have adapted them to Sugarhouse. Its always important to consider what the signs are advertising--is it a particular service, is it a sense of status or importance, does it indicate who is welcome or not? Signs are both overt and subliminal messages that compel us to engage in a particular landscape or activity. They activate space in a way, telling us what to do or think. Nice work!
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