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.

 

BevMo! Signs

The neon sign on the left is much more interesting than the standard "channel letters" on the right.  Many cities prohibit neon signs in their zoning codes.

Signs

The tower on this old building was likely always the location of a sign. Maybe neon. Come to think of it, a neon sign would  be great here. And some neon along the green raceway above the awning. They need to lose that enormous red can sign though. Aluminum cans with a plastic inserts.  So  very uncreative.

   

Stating the Obvious

The City of LA recently installed medians in the street with monument signs announcing that you have arrived in Koreatown.  Signs like the one in this picture as well as all the other business signs seemed to already do the job. Adding a monument sign is sort of stating the obvious.

Signs

At first glance cluttered and definitely not code compliant, but for some reason it has its charm. Maybe it's that incredible boot.

Billboard

This billboard towers over the charming cottage apartment. At its base it is painted to match the building. I guess it could be worse. It could be an electronic billboard.  I wonder if they get cheaper rent.