July 7, 2014

Accentuate the Positive

These signs are all within the same couple of blocks in the Westwood area of Los Angeles.  They are representative of the kinds of signs that dominate the urban landscape. I observed a similar situation during a visit to Target. From the moment I got out of my car until the moment I entered the store it was Don't do this. Don't do that. No you may not, etc. What if there were signs that said, "Enjoy the shade." "Take your time." "Sit on the bench as long as you like." "Stand here to enjoy our neighborhood." "Welcome." Would signs like that make any impact on how residents and visitors feel about the neighborhood? There are efforts to encourage walking using positive signs which can be seen here.

 


4 comments:

Virginia Postrel said...

Maybe we should make some of those signs and find ways to post them.

Patrick Prescott said...

Could probably just hang them up with zip ties.

Virginia Postrel said...

But not the "Sit on the bench as long as you like" one. We already have people doing that, and they're smelly.

Patrick Prescott said...

Good point!