SIGNS!
presentations of! marketplaces and cultures! Jerry Lum
Signs: presentations of marketplaces and cultures Signs offer an initial glimpse into the atmosphere of the marketplace and individually present the unique qualities of the wares or services offered within the storefront. Signs collectively project an image of each city’s, town’s, or village’s streets. In the past and through images alone, signs attracted the attention of the passer-by, who was often illiterate. Throughout time, the beauty, creativity, and craft of these signs are demonstrated as each culture transforms and evolves. This curated selection of signs are collected from my travels in Japan and France, two cultures who often are inspired by each other. They are presented here to my design students as a sampling of design possibilities and approaches. The similarities and differences reflect the aesthetic values, sensitivities, and intentions of each of these two countries. Moreover, these signs have a basic visual appeal to anyone, regardless of differences in language, time, and place. A study of this sampling will demonstrate how form, shape, color, size, image, text, composition, and the selection of materials can come together in a crafted manner to communicate the intended messages of the designer. Often, the sign and its support that affixes it to its storefront are of a unified design. When this occurs, the overall effect is enhanced.
These signs evoke a diversity of layered messages. Beyond the obvious intentions, they range from the playful to the serious; the informal to the formal; the traditional to the contemporary; and from the unbridled to the tastefully restrained. Hence, they reflect something significant about their designer, craft-person, and shop proprietor. In the same way, the design of the storefront and the manner in what and how is displayed within its interior spaces are all framed by the designer’s set of intentions. Extending outward, the building that houses the storefront, the collective presence of multiple buildings that comprise the block, and the blocks that make up a neighborhood convey much about its inhabitants. Material form and its shaped spaces can evoke a multitude of feelings and memories. With each evocation, a new story is invented. As a student (and eventually practitioner) of architecture or interior design, I invite you to weave a lifetime of compelling stories through your constructed designs. © Jerry Lum, professor of architecture, City College of San Francisco, 2015
CafĂŠ de la Pente, Rokko, Kobe
Tsuruya, Arashiyama, Kyoto
Aritsugu, Nishiki Market, Kyoto
Kizakura Sake Brewery, Fushimi, Kyoto
Hinoko Sumi Shop, Teramachi-dori, Kyoto
Kagizen Yoshifusa, Shijo-dori, Kyoto
Kano CafĂŠ et Patisserie, Gojo-dori & Takasegawa, Kyoto
Yubasen, Kiyomizu, Kyoto
Otabe Yatsuhashi, Kyoto Station, Kyoto
Takoyaki Shop, Dotonbori, Osaka
Santos CafĂŠ, Monja-dori, Tsukishima, Tokyo
Shinzaburo Hanpu Kaban Higashioji-dori, Kyoto
Tea shop in Kurashiki Bikan District
Nijo-dori, Kyoto
Pottiri Bar on Nishikikoji-dori, Kyoto, Japan
Patisserie on Teramachi-dori Kyoto, Japan
Takiguchi Pottery Gallery Teramachi-dori Kyoto, Japan
Yubasen Kiyomizu-gojozaka Kyoto, Japan
Atelier Pavin, 16, rue de Cotte 75012 Paris
Les Crocs Epicerie Degustation rue de Cotte - 75012 Paris
Servant Chocolatier, 30, rue d’Auteuil 75016 Paris
Dam Boutons, 46,rue d’Orsel - 75018 Paris
BE BoulangĂŠpicier 73, Boulevard de Courcelles 75008 Paris
Chocolaterie Puyricard 27, Avenue Rapp 75007 Paris
Alexandra Sojfer, 218, Boulevard Saint-Germaine - 75007 Paris
Bleu comme gris 208 bd. St.-Germain 75007 Paris
Librairie Jousseaume 45-46-47 Galerie Vivienne 75002 Paris
Librairie Jousseaume 45-46-47 Galerie Vivienne 75002 Paris
A Priori ThĂŠ 35-37, Galerie Vivienne 75002 Paris
Clairon des Chasseurs Restaurant & Jazz Club 3,place du Tertre Montmartre - 75018 Paris
La Bonne Franquette 18, rue Saint-Rustique - 75018 Paris
Lil Weasel 1, Passage du Grand Cerf - 75002
Passage du Grand Cerf 145, rue St-Denis – 8, rue Dussoubs 75002 Paris
Passage du Grand Cerf 145, rue St-Denis – 8, rue Dussoubs 75002 Paris
This page and next: Pour vos beaux yeux, 10, Passage du Grand Cerf – 75002 Paris
55, Passage des Panoramas 75002 Paris
Restaurant Les Coulisses 19, Passage des Panoramas 75002 Paris
Passage des Panoramas Entries at 11, Boulevard Montmartre, 158, rue Montmartre, 8-10, rue Saint Marc, 38, rue Vivienne – 75002 Paris
Passage des Panoramas Entries at: 11, Boulevard Montmartre 158, rue Montmartre 8-10, rue Saint Marc 38, rue Vivienne 75002 Paris
H么tel Chopin 46, Passage Jouffroy 75009 Paris
M.G. Segas 34, Passage Jouffroy 75009 Paris
Librairie Le Petit Roi, 39, Passage Jouffroy 75009 Paris
Passage l’Homme 26, rue de Charonne – 75011 Paris
Passage l’Homme 26, rue de Charonne – 75011 Paris
Le Bonheur des Dames 8, Passage Verdeau - 75009 Paris
Atelier 29 29, Passage Verdeau 75009 Paris
Maison PĂŠret 6, rue Daguerre 75014 Paris
Wadja, 10, rue de la Grande Chaumière 75006 Paris
Au Plat d’Etain 16, rue Guisarde 75006 Paris
l’Auberge des Deux Ponts 7, rue des Deux Ponts 75004 Paris
l’Auberge des Deux Ponts 7, rue des Deux Ponts 75004 Paris
Café de l’Industrie 16, rue Saint-Sabin 75011 Paris
Maison Goyard – Le Chic du Chien 352, rue Saint-Honoré 75001 Paris
La Cure Gourmande 55, rue Saint Louis en l’Ile 75004 Paris
Librairie Paris et son Patrimoine 25, rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile 75004 Paris
La Storia Bie des Buttes Chaumont 1, rue Meynadier 75019 Paris