We put a lot of societal energy into preserving old designs and structures. And many preservation advocates are critical of today’s phony façade architecture – “Things were more authentic, honest and well-crafted in the past.” But look around at many ‘historic’ buildings and you’ll see a lot of fancy fronts… Read more »
At last, Environmental Graphic Design can live up to its alternate namesake and promote environmental change. Anonymous “artists” stepped up the battle being waged to remove an obsolete and unwanted dam in the Ojai area of California by painting a vast graphic dotted line and scissors icon along the face… Read more »
Joining out-of-control newspaper racks on our crowded sidewalks is a new clutter source — branded shipping stations. Usually seen inside office building lobbies, these ungainly and messy-looking drop boxes are popping up in the public way. More unregulated commercial mess on our streets. And, are Fedex, et al paying lease… Read more »
We think not. Only a few kinds of cars look good in red – Ferraris, of course, Alfa Romeos, certain older Porsches and small Japanese models. The only American brands that can handle red are Mustangs, Corvettes and maybe Camaros, although we prefer yellow for the Chevy performance car. A… Read more »
The Ohio State Senate has passed a measure banning signs that tout federal stimulus spending. Construction signs promoting public realm improvements, and their politician sponsors, are common around the US, but apparently not in Ohio if the federal government is involved.
Here’s a dramatic example of Mid-century Modern commercial architecture, but the current owner just doesn’t get it. Degrading the clean lines and spirited design are tacky painted-on Italianate ‘gates.’ Nothing adds old-world charm like spray-painted wrought-iron stencils.
Graffiti is bad and deservedly gets its share of public shame, and, hopefully, legal penalties, but what about those awful stickers? The self-adhesive promotional stickers handed out at clubs, skateboard shops and music stores have become a new kind of urban blight. Ironically, the slacker kids that stick them on… Read more »
The price for an average tank of gas is $59.62 for the sign on the left and $59.64 for the other one. Yes, the fourteen-gallon fill-up would cost you only 2 cents more if they just dropped the 9/10s charade and simplified the price signs. Okay, who’s first? Chevron? BP?… Read more »