Send me a sign

Many cities in the US are attempting to breathe life into their ho-hum downtowns. While there
is no magic bullet or blueprint to follow for successful revitalization, some effective strategies are often overlooked. A recent trip to Mexico further convinced me of some of these essential ingredients. Fortunately, the techniques aren’t too expensive.

signage - America does an excellent job of helping commuters navigate interstates and highways. The ubiquitous green signs are well-designed and usually easy to understand. We have come to associate blue signs on the interstate with an upcoming exit that has gas and food. Brown signs are only used for cultural and recreational opportunities. These color
distinctions are firmly planted in our subconciousness and their meanings are so fixed, we would never expect to see a green sign that indicates road construction, for example (road construction always has orange signage).

Our cities should take advantage of the precedent set by road signs. Imagine driving into
a new city and seeing a distinct “city sign” that you instantly recognized as tools to help you find parking, the arena, cultural centers, etc. The signs would function more like kiosks. When you pass them in your car, they would point to the closest relevant attractions or parking. But when you’re on foot, and can look at them closely, they serve as maps, helpful tips, and show associations (for example, the nearest parking, food, and parks to the popular mueseum). It is important that a universal color is used. True, it would detract from cities’ unique signage. But the benefits of having visitors immediately know what
the signs/kiosks looked like and how they function would outweigh the impact of city-specific signage. According to this site, there
are a few color reserved for future use: light blue, purple, and coral. I propose using
light blue for the city signs. Much like
“social capital,” our cities and communities will benefit from a public that feels more
comfortable, safe and in command of the urban environment.

benches, gazebos, and centrally-focused parks - One characteristic I noticed of every single Mexican town Sarah and I passed through or visited, was that the plazas and parks had
nice benches to sit on, an elaborate gazebo in the center and a design that emphasized congregating in the middle of the park. No matter how small or poor these towns were, they had mastered the challenge of how to build urban parks. Why this proven technique is not used more often in US cities is a mystery. In my hometown of Lexington, Ky, a recent propsal to redesign one of the main downtown park (Triangle) was shot down by neighborhood groups. The
plan was a good one but its purpose and consequences were poorly argued and misrepresented. The park, which won awards back in the 80’s, is a poorly designed, Modernist mess. It was built back when towering, glass, phallic symbols dominated skylines. Here are a few cost-effective, proven, techniques toward changing Triangle, and similar parks, into
valuable public space. Instead of having outer “track” style pathways, push the paths inward.
Why would people want to just walk around in circles? In the center of the park should be a gazebo, or fountain, or statue, or other central focus. Even if this focus is not an
astonishing piece or art or glorious monument, the fact that is the most interesting thing
in the park and is placed in the middle creates a natural pull. People will see other people in the center of the park and will consequently be inclined to head in their direction.

July 25th, 2001