A Sign of Democracy

Based on the ubiquitous dynamic timetables found at train stations and airports throughout the world, A Sign of Democracy uses the technology to present stirring quotes and concepts to visitors to the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, a special project of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. A special alphabet was designed specifically for the sign, incorporating Spanish-language-specific characters to allow for bilingual messages to appear. Along with the messages themselves, the sign evokes, through the metaphor of transit, a vision of democracy as a constantly evolving journey. A Sign of Democracy has received three major design awards from the Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD), the AIGA, and the Art Director’s Club. The project was completed in collaboration with Levin and Associates Architects of Los Angeles.