'Welcome signs' in public space: Separation and identity

Abstract

Purpose - The main purpose of this paper is to present researches on the 'welcome signs' as a symbolic elements in territorial representaton, which have at least two meanings: symbolic disclosing identty of a partcular place and spatal being an element of certain public pace. Therefore, the second objectve is to define the value of such visual signs in branding strategy of a place. Methodology/approach - The research take advantage of the content analysis of signs to make conclusions referring to the communicatons process and place marketng concepts. Findings - 'Welcome signs' are symbolic installatons, which are kind of testmonials about partcular places. Apart from the role of identficaton, informaton and advertsing, these signs have also aesthetc significance as well as they are spatal forms of territorial division. Practcal implicatons - The 'welcome signs' are made in intuitve ways by the legitmate authorites, so the examinaton of them and building a model of their content and design might be very beneficial and helpful for LGU. Originality - So far, welcome signs have not been partcularly the subjects of marketng, social or politcal researches.