Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs
Posted by: kmikeym | From: February 21, 2007
Have you seen these cool informational signs? I've seen them all over and I really like the way they look. Of course, finding anything about them means searching on PortlandOnline.com, which while chock full of information is impossible to use.
Initially I thought they were part of the Bus Mall project, but I've seen them downtown, in the Pearl, and near the Rose Garden. Anyone know more about them, who designed them, where they are placed?
I like how they are both maps and signposts about where you are. Visitors can grab the Powell's downtown map and follow it around and know for sure what area they are in, which I think is very reassuring when you are in a new place. They also reinforce the concepts of the smaller neighborhoods beyond the very general NW, NE, SW, SE style that most people first learn about.
This project is interesting to me because I didn't hear anything about it until after it was complete. Also, the signs look really slick and modern and seem to be really useful (more than the new temporary bus mall arrows with the X, Y, Z, and all that).
Thanks to Cabel for the picture.
More here:
http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=40500
Posted by: b!X at February 21, 2007 11:17 PM
This is definitely cool. When I traveled the metropolitan areas of Japan, signs like these were everywhere. Of course, they were written in kanji or hiragani, so I was still lost, but hey they looked cool.
Posted by: pdxjon at February 22, 2007 9:04 AM
I really like these too! I don't exactly *need* them, but they do make our city friendly and welcoming. It reminds me of signs all over European cities that are extremely helpful. Now I just wish they'd get maps like this of the bicycle route network all over the city.
Posted by: freddy at February 22, 2007 9:25 AM
These signs are GREAT. I run into people all the time in downtown standing on corners looking at that Powell's map trying to figure out where they are. I usually ask if I can help and they always seem surprised someone is offering to help: I know these signs will be used!
Posted by: Lelo at February 22, 2007 6:01 PM
I just noticed these signs recently and thought they are a great idea. I've helped countless people find their way as they looked lost on a downtown street corner.
These signs are well designed to be noticeable and should be very useful for out of town folks.
Good job Portland.
Posted by: brad at March 29, 2007 1:16 PM
Post a comment:
So they are a joint venture with PDC and PDOT, with some input from the lovely members of various business associations (namely PBA, POVA, PDBA, etc). Check out this blog that I learned a little about their background: http://www.neighborhoodnotes.com/2007/02/all-signs-point-to-pdot-and-pdc.html
Not exactly sure where she got her info from, but probably PDOT or the PDC. Happy exploring!
Posted by: Jeremy at February 21, 2007 4:19 PM