Union square

            The three districts that we have visited so far all have very different characteristics and qualities to them. Some of the districts that we have explored so far are the area around USF, golden gate park, Ocean beach and most recently the Market street area. It has been interesting to see the similarities and differences of each of these areas. Now that we have visited each of these districts it becomes easier to see how much just one street over can make in the atmosphere.

            Market Street and especially Union Square is a place that I spend a good amount of time at. I mostly got here to shop and eat; when I take a trip down to Union I stay in that area and do not wonder off. On this trip that we took this was the first time that I have seen was just down the other street from Union Square. On one street it is all high end stores and mostly people with money shopping and have a good time. Once you turn down just another street you will find a whole different world. The area is filled with run down old and beat up buildings. Also there are homeless people lining the street. The area is very different from Union Square; the signage here is directed toward a completely different audience. The signs is very run down and old many with broken with large wholes in them.

            It becomes easy to tell that the singe in each area is directed at s certain audience. The signage in the tenderloin district has sings that are directed towards the people that live there. They are more run down and not taken care of like that ones in Union Square. The people in this area are mostly poor or homeless. Some of the signage in this area is informational sings trying to prevent things, for example the spread of HIV.I was shocked to see this the area for my self the signage here was very run down and not anything like union Square which is just one simple turn away. There was a abundance of old hotels in the Tenderloin district. These hotels have become apart of the tenderloin district in how they would become a place for people to stay and live when they were out on their luck and need a place to stay.

            The signage in Union Square is directed at a completely different audience. The signage is mostly for high-end stores; these signs are flashy and bright. They are up kept nicely, with mostly the purpose for trying to get people to buy things. They are directed more toward the rich people who can afford to buy these things. it is amazing to see the difference, when you pay attention to the way the singe change drastically in from  just one street over.

            When comparing the three districts one image from each sticks out in my mind. The first image that I found significant would be all the directional sign around the USF campus. These are important to help people find their way. Another image would be the Maps in Golden Gate park these just like the signs around USfF help people not familiar with the area find there way around. Also the run down hotel signs fro the tenderloin district really stuck out to me. They are a part of the history in that area, which makes it what, it is today. All of these different districts each have some thing unique to offer. But in some ways they are alike how no matter where you go to is important to have directional signage to help inform people where to go and where to not go. The most interesting aspect is how one district blends in the next one. How you can be walking in the city and come across an huge change in the atmosphere by just turning down one street.