This question has been asked very often. It often starts some rousing discussions. :)

First I’ll tell you to type “Cleaview” in up in the little search box at the top of this page and continue from there. You should find quite a bit of information. Also try “wayfinding” and “signage” as well.

spiekermann did a little program about signage and how it reflects the different cultures

http://www.spiekermann.com/mten/download.html

download typomania1.mov

worth it just to see spikermann ensemble.

Thanks very much for the helpful links and video.

So when choosing a typeface for a local community such as Muenster or Doncaster I guess it’s important to get a thorough understanding of that community’s history?

Chris

I’m still struggling to find information/debate regarding designing for regional identity. For example Peter Saville’s recent Manchester work. I would also like to be able to look at comparative developments in Leeds, Norfolk, South Yorkshire, Brittany, The Basque, North Rhein Westfalia etc.

I’m probably using the wrong search terms. Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

If there have been no such comparative studies I may undertake an investigation myself. Please let me know you thoughts on this idea.

Chris Matthews

Tel. (+44) 07807169415
http://www.cmatthews.co.uk

There were interesting presentations about that topic at the ATypI in Brighton a few weeks ago. See: http://atypi.org/05_Brighton/20_main_program

I can’t remember who said it, but I’ve found it very convincing: most interesting in respect to bringing liveliness into your design are, first of all, the real people living there, followed by historical and cultural background information and of course there are some licensing requirements to be taken into account.

For Peter Saville take some time to watch the little film about the interview talked about here: http://www.typophile.com/node/37612

And there are some pdfs picturing “traffic signs to tourist attractions in England” e.g. here: http://www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/dmrb/vol8/section2.htm

information/debate regarding designing for regional identity.

What’s so hard? People should tell their own story in their own vocie. Community: Support your local design firms, type designers, writers, printers, photographers, illustrators, etc.

Not to the exclusion of the wider world, but find a balance.

I’ve posted a few pictures of signs in West Yorkshire, BD postcode area. Nothing scientific, just pictures.

http://www.typophile.com/node/37538

http://www.typophile.com/node/28134

Cheers, thanks very much Tina, great links.

Thanks for you philosophical musing Mr Shin - well put.

And great photos Mili - nice one. I think a student of Tony Pritchards at LCC recently did a study comparing shop signs in different streets in London, such as Mile End Rd with some road in Chelsea. Great idea and so simple.

Ta

Chris Matthews

Tel. (+44) 07807169415
http://www.cmatthews.co.uk