Exploring Vernacular Signage Along America's Legacy Roadscapes A Field Report of Ongoing Research
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Abstract
The context in which a sign is displayed and viewed, reflecting the surrounding natural, built and socio-cultural environments in which it is placed, is essential for how well a sign is able to perform its intended visual communication function to orient, inform, persuade, and/or regulate. To this end, signage research must give appropriate attention to contextual factors, especially along highways where natural, built, and socio-cultural environments may continually change. This field report describes efforts to document and assess vernacular signage found along America’s legacy highways. Vernacular signs include a range of contextually designed and placed displays, usually connected to unique local businesses. The focus here is on how vernacular signs respond to contextual factors and often control their own contexts, and as such provide insight into the design, placement, and regulation of contemporary signs of all types.
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