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A Sign Is

$35.00

An insightful collection of essays on the overlooked sign. Each chapter explores the extraordinary connection that culture and society have to this common object.

 
Size: 8.3″ x 5.8″ Portrait
ISBN: 978-1-961856-72-1
Binding: Hardbound
Pages: 368pp
Publication Date: Spring 2025

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Description

Reading between the lines of sign messages and designs reveals that there is much more to the simple sign. A sign is the accumulated visual language of navigation and defines how we move through our world, reflecting our histories, motivations, and fears as a society.

Additional information

Weight 2 lbs
Dimensions 10 × 10 × 1 in
Publication date

November 2022

Size

8.5" x 11" portrait

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Details

Overview

 An insightful collection of essays on the overlooked sign. Each chapter explores the extraordinary connection that culture and society have to this common object. The book blends historical overview, graphic taxonomy, and design criticism on eleven signage types, ranging from signs that say no, to pharmacy signs, and all in-between. Every chapter uncovers the reasoning and logic of how and why our built environment is annotated the way it is form the simplest of signs to the largest of signs. 

Authors

 Jeffrey Ludlow, an award-winning designer within signage & wayfinding, where his work spans from CCTV building in Beijing, Apple Park in Cupertino and a variety of cultural venues globally. Prior to POR studio, he was the creative director of Bruce Mau Studio and worked as art director at 2 x 4. 

Point of Reference Studio is an award-winning studio focusing on the intersection between graphic design and architecture.

News

 “The halls, doorways, and walls of nearly every American cultural institution are lined with what are essentially tags. These are not the colorful spray-painted graffiti tags that pepper the urban landscape, but names of wealthy families memorialized in stone. A visual survey of museums, campuses, and medical facilities will reveal that many key architectural elements — whether it be a wing, a fountain, a plaza, or an entrance hall — have been allocated to the highest bidder and elegantly captioned by what is called donor signage.” 

Additional Info

Size: 8.3″ x 5.8″ Portrait
ISBN: 978-1-961856-72-1
Binding: Hardbound
Pages: 368pp
Publication Date: Spring 2025
World Rights: Available

Image 1
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A Sign Is

Reading between the lines of sign messages and designs reveals that there is much more to the simple sign. A sign is the accumulated visual language of navigation and defines how we move through our world, reflecting our histories, motivations, and fears as a society.

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© 2023 ORO Editions. All Rights Reserved. Designed by Organ Creative

© 2021 ORO Editions.
All Rights Reserved. Designed by Organ Creative

© 2021 ORO Editions. All Rights Reserved. Designed by Organ Creative

© 2021 ORO Editions. All Rights Reserved. Designed by Organ Creative

© 2021 ORO Editions. All Rights Reserved. Designed by Organ Creative

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