The next time somebody asks me why I'm so drawn to the "retro" look, I think I'll cite this example. A while back a local shopping center, Highland Park, updated their sign. The one seen above was originated before I was born. I've always enjoyed its semi-elegant optimistic lettering. Well, here's the new look, updated to appeal to the modern shopper...
(The sign pictured above is actually in a different location than the first one, thus the inclusion of Subway, Sears and RadioShack.)A better designer than I could easily articulate the many poor design choices behind it, but I'll just leave it at this... Blechh!
Funny thing is, because it's located on a busy corner, the shopping center has two signs. One retains the old design and the other is new. (Maybe a pair of new ones wasn't in the budget?) It's been this way for a few years now, so when I visit Highland Park I always make it a point to enter on the "retro" side.
http://www.draplin.com/
ReplyDeleteNow that's design!
Good example. I love old signs. I loved them on Route 66, when I went a few year ago, but you can find them almost everywhere, which is cool.
ReplyDeleteUgh. The new one looks like something somebody did in Microsoft Word.
ReplyDeletewhy does subway have hierarchy over the name of the whole shopping center?
ReplyDeletealso, the one tree copy and pasted and color changed? no. and don't get me started on typography. kern that sh1t!
The old one is neat and nice to look at while the bottom one is an utter and complete mess.
ReplyDeleteI would also try to exit from that side of the sign.
ReplyDeleteAnd what about the HORRID Sears logo?! It used to be fabulous. Here's an image that shows two very different versions, each wonderful.
ReplyDeletehttp://torontoist.com/2007/11/news_24.php
I dunno, if the older one was composed better I might agree, but it doesn't make a great use of space, and the choice of type looks cheap and tacky to my eyes. The more recent one isn't perfect, but I'd have to say it's an improvement over the old one.
ReplyDelete