Signage for the Sites of Democratic Memory in Asturias
Following an analysis and study of the elements currently used to mark the Sites of Democratic Memory in Asturias, it has been concluded that a brand identity and a contemporary design are required, moving away from stone monoliths, most of which have been constructed in an amateurish manner and without standardised criteria.
Due to the variety of sites and their characteristics, three types of signage elements are proposed, allowing for adaptation according to requirements:
A marker to signpost sites in open countryside or where there is ample space for installation.
A banner for wall mounting in locations where its perpendicular projection does not obstruct the movement of people or vehicles.
A plaque for wall mounting when the sign cannot protrude excessively.
The materials used in these signage elements serve two purposes:
1) To ensure the sign is sturdy and secure. The focus is on durability and strength, as well as vandal-proofing, as it is almost inevitable that they will be subject to vandalism and graffiti. For this reason, the graphic is placed behind high-security glass to prevent breakage and facilitate cleaning in the event of graffiti or similar acts, whilst making it impossible to remove or scratch the text and logos.
2) That they form part of the design and pay homage to the place they are defining. For this reason, iron and chestnut wood are used, both symbols of the history of Asturias, as the ‘core’ of the signage.
The design is based on the simplicity of its elements. The use of a serious, easy-to-read sans-serif typeface, which is ideologically neutral, lends a sense of decisiveness to the design.
