Design

The View from the Gaslamp

A gallery of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter signage

Published

15 years ago

June 24, 2009

Steve Aust Signs of the Times June 2009 Issue

During my tenure as an ST editor, I’ve adopted the habit of taking photos of signage on virtually every business or pleasure trip (my wife politely, but firmly, insisted that I not take such photos on our honeymoon, so I complied). During my trip to San Diego in late my for the Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD) Conference in San Diego, I was disappointed by the chilly, overcast weather. However, I was very pleased by the abundance of the unique signage in the Gaslamp Quarter, the entertainment and business district that’s catalyzed downtown San Diego’s revitalization.

As noted in entertainment-district article in ST’s June issue, the Quarter imposes sign codes that favor a retro look – incandescent and neon illumination are favored, and electronic message centers are noticeably absent. Even with these restrictions, the signage milieu within the Quarter underscores its diversity of restaurants, bars and other enterprises.

Related Topics:Design February 2009 June 2009

click to Comment(Comment)

Up Next

Brewing Bike Billboards (and Bags)

Don't Miss

These Murals Deliver

Introducing the Sign Industry Podcast

The Sign Industry Podcast is a platform for every sign person out there — from the old-timers who bent neon and hand-lettered boats to those venturing into new technologies — we want to get their stories out for everyone to hear. Come join us and listen to stories, learn tricks or techniques, and get insights of what’s to come. We are the world’s second oldest profession. The folks who started the world’s oldest profession needed a sign.