How Monument Signs Create a Strong Sense of Place
In a world of advertisement overload, where many signs are pushing a product or an idea, there is one sign which, by its presence alone, brings satisfaction to its viewer.
The monument sign tells travelers that they have reached their destination. After a few hours in the car with the family, the most anticipated thought on everyone’s mind is how they cannot wait to see ‘the sign’. A monument sign does not only create a sense of identity for the geographical area but also subconsciously within the visitor.
Destinations that host recreational activities and attract a steady flow of visitors benefit from having a monument sign. Modern communities, industrial parks, and outdoor shopping centers strategically place their monument signs in highly visible locations to maximize exposure while making a bold statement about their presence.
The materials used in a monument sign help shape visitors’ perceptions of the area, conveying its character, history, and even its economic vitality. It is important to consider the scale of the monument sign in relation to the property it represents and how it complements its surrounding environment. Rather than competing with the natural landscape for attention, a well-designed sign should enhance and reflect the unique features that define the area.
The design team here at e3 has just wrapped up a project involving monument signs in the northern and southern entrances of Carter Lake in Colorado that makes use of Colorado sandstone and rusted steel for the major spaces of the composition.
Brushed aluminum lettering contrasts the rusted steel plate, giving a modern feel to the monumental sign while respecting the natural tones of the Rocky Mountain landscape.
