about the talk
San Diego has a unique collection of community identity signs. Some are historic, some are more modern, but all help to create a sense of place for the unique character of the community they represent. These signs are a sense of pride for residents, a welcoming feature for visitors, and often a driver for economic development.
Simon Andrews, Principal of San Diego-based sign design and planning firm Graphic Solutions, will present with Beryl Forman, Marketing and Mobility Coordinator for the El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association. Together they will share how The Boulevard sign, which sits at the western gateway to El Cajon Blvd., became one of San Diego’s most iconic community signs, and how it shaped this important and historic corridor.
Also check out the self-guided tour for a list of these signs and their locations so you can venture out to see them.
VIDEO: ICONIC SIGNAGE AND A CITY'S IDENTITY
This talk was presented live September 9, 2020.
About the presenters
Simon Andrews
Simon Andrews has been a principal at Graphic Solutions since 1976, directing award-winning projects for both private and public agency clients and playing an active role in a number of professional and civic organizations, including the American Institute of Graphic Arts, the Society for Experiential Graphic Design, San Diego Environment and Design Council, and the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Graphic Solutions is a full-service graphic design firm, established in 1970, specializing in identity and brand development, and sign planning design and implementation. Recognized as innovators in the field of sign-planning, the team creates comprehensive programs for public agencies and private developers of residential and commercial projects.
Beryl Forman
Upon moving to San Diego 15 years ago, Beryl Forman took an immediate interest in the city's redevelopment. Through her work with the El Cajon Blvd BIA, she was given the title ‘Ms. Boulevard’ by the North Park News and thoroughly enjoys the collaborative opportunities to revitalize and promote El Cajon Blvd and its historic and ethnically diverse urban neighborhoods. She has worked on the development of Little Saigon District, placemaking initiatives including Take Back the Alley and Fair@44, and implementing tactical transit solutions including a pilot dedicated bus/bike lane. Beryl believes strongly that city planning is a tool to create change and will begin teaching a new course at San Diego State University in the Urban Planning Department titled Transforming Public Space Through Placemaking.
About Society for Experiential Graphic Design
The San Diego Chapter of the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) represents the global, multidisciplinary community of professionals who plan, design, and build experiences that connect people to place. With 34 local chapters throughout the U.S. and in countries all over the world, we strive to create meaningful discourse about design's role in shaping how we experience public space. Members include graphic and information designers, fabricators, architects, exhibition designers, technology integrators, interaction designers, brand strategists, students, wayfinding specialists, teachers, and others who have a hand in shaping content-rich, experiential spaces.
