Posts
The good: The signs are of an appropriate height — tall enough to dissuade vandalism, via spray paint, but not so tall that they contribute to visual clutter — and secured by attractive black support poles. Some offer interesting wording (SoBro Attractions, West End District, Capitol Hill, etc.), while many are helpful (particularly to visitors to the city) and well placed.
The bad: The green and brown color scheme seems a bit odd. And on that theme, there is an inconsistency in that some of the signs are brown only. For that matter, some of the signs have a curvature at their tops and/or a Nashville logo while others do not. The Nashville logo — as my friend Andi Stepnick recently remarked — suggests Hard Rock Cafe (however, and in fairness, the design and lettering of the "Nashville" have long been used by the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau). Some of the signs are placed such to confuse visitors or, as is the case with one in front of the 2525 Building on West End Avenue, in spots blinded by trees.
Grade: B
They are a most welcome addition. I like the design. I'm sure some locations will need some tweeking over coming months and perhaps some additional ones will be needed. Great for Nashville.
ReplyDeleteWilliam, is Metro responsible for these signs? Who came up with them, the locations, etc.?
AMous,
DeleteI think it was a combo of CVB and Metro. Good question.
WW
I had no idea that wasn't a Hard Cafe logo until reading your post.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have clarified.
DeleteIt does look very much like the Hard Rock Cafe logo! Not good!
DeleteA long needed feature; good on whomever is behind the signage.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed the new signs in places other than downtown and along West End. For example, there are signs near the Adventure Science Center and the Nashville Sounds ballpark directing drivers to I-40, I-65 and to Downtown. Very useful signs, especially for visitors.
ReplyDeleteIs there a "master plan" for these signs? If so, it would be great to see all of them.
A greally good idea and the signs are quite attractive too.
Leslie,
DeleteGood question as to a "master plan." I don't think so but will ask around.
WW
Indeed, it would be interesting to know more about the individuals driving this and other branding efforts for Metro Nashville.
ReplyDeleteI know the Mayor has wanted to promote the "Music City" brand, but is this a broader effort lead by Metro Govt (Mayor Dean), the CVB, Chamber, etc.? Who is group, design firm ,or in-house guru behind the Nashville branding of the moment?
I don't recall reading much about this. It would be an interesting story for the City Paper or Tennessean.
AMous,
DeleteGood point. I'm about 99 percent certain it's the Convention and Visitors Bureau. I'll be interviewing CVB President Butch Spyridon soon and will ask him.
WW
These new signs look great! Nashville can be confusing for drivers who are not familiar with the city. These will really help! Good job. Hope to see more of them.
ReplyDeleteThe Nashville office of Parsons Brinckerhoff played a role in the design and location of the signs.
ReplyDeleteThe wordmark on the picture you posted does resemble the Hard Rock wordmark, but the "live music venue" signs (in the shape of guitar picks) that have been around for several years use a font that is reminiscent of that used by Gibson Guitars.
ReplyDelete