نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
استادیار گروه ارتباط تصویری، دانشکده هنر و معماری، دانشگاه سمنان، سمنان، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Background: Environmental graphics, as an influential art form in urban life, hold substantial potential both spiritually and materially to elevate the community level. Many people view environmental graphics solely as a tool for information dissemination, often limited to wayfinding, guide signs, stands, and outdoor advertising. However, given its extensive scope, environmental graphics can serve as a leading medium for reaching excellence and guiding society toward spiritual and material dynamism. This article thus explores the role of environmental graphics in the excellence of contemporary society. The city and its environment have long been venues for cultural and artistic reflection. Environmental graphics align with two complementary missions: firstly, to prepare the environment for effective communication, enabling easy navigation and standardized accessibility to pathways. Secondly, it should fulfill roles like beautification and identity development within urban spaces. In this capacity, the urban environment becomes a powerful setting for both the spiritual and material enhancement of citizens, which transforms the environmental graphics into a functional and uplifting art form.
method: This article employs a descriptive-analytical method to explore the characteristics of excellence in environmental graphics. The study considers aspects such as relaxation, vitalization, creativity, inspiration, and identity development—qualities that significantly contribute to achieving a more elevated, vibrant, and successful community. Information is gathered through a literature review, guided by the central question: What are the enhancing aspects of environmental graphics for society, and how do they function? The final results demonstrate that environmental graphics, as an art form closely linked with society, can prove both spiritual and material vitality in urban life.
Results: One of the most profound impacts of environmental graphics is their ability to reinforce cultural identity. Cities are not just collections of infrastructure; they are living entities with unique histories, traditions, and values. Through murals, typography, and symbolic imagery, environmental graphics can weave local heritage into the urban fabric. For example, a neighborhood with a strong artistic legacy might incorporate street art and custom lettering into its signage, while a historic district could use motifs inspired by its architectural past. This approach not only beautifies the city but also fosters a sense of pride and belonging among residents. When people see their culture reflected in public spaces, they develop a deeper emotional connection to their surroundings, strengthening community ties and encouraging civic engagement.
Beyond cultural expression, environmental graphics contribute significantly to the aesthetic transformation of urban spaces. Many cities suffer from visual clutter—generic signage, chaotic advertisements, and uninspiring facades that create a sense of disorder. Thoughtfully designed environmental graphics can counteract this by introducing harmony and creativity into the urban landscape. Colorful wayfinding markers, artistic street installations, and cohesive branding in public areas can turn mundane spaces into visually stimulating experiences. Research has shown that aesthetically pleasing environments reduce stress and enhance mood, making cities not just more functional but also more enjoyable places to live. A well-designed bus stop, for example, is not just about providing shelter—it can incorporate local art, clear information displays, and even interactive elements that make waiting an engaging experience rather than a chore.
However, beauty alone is not enough; functionality must go hand in hand with design. Standardization in environmental graphics ensures clarity and accessibility, preventing visual confusion that can arise from overly artistic but impractical designs. A balance must be struck between creativity and readability—signage should be instantly recognizable, typography should be legible, and color schemes should follow universal accessibility guidelines. Cities like Copenhagen and Zurich excel in this regard, using minimalist yet expressive design systems that maintain consistency while still allowing for artistic flair. When environmental graphics adhere to these principles, they create intuitive, user-friendly spaces where people can navigate effortlessly, regardless of language or cultural background.
The intersection of cultural storytelling, visual enhancement, and functional design is where environmental graphics truly shine in urban settings. By embedding local identity into public spaces, elevating aesthetics, and maintaining high usability standards, cities can transform into more inviting, efficient, and emotionally resonant places. As urbanization continues to accelerate, the thoughtful integration of environmental graphics will be essential in shaping cities that are not only livable but also inspiring—spaces where people don’t just exist, but truly feel at home.
In essence, "excellence" in this context refers to growth and flourishing. It is referred to as a move towards a specific goal. By improving the quality of urban life and creating a pleasant setting for residents, environmental graphics foster growth and flourishing. This field establishes a conducive environment for mental growth through motivations such as relaxation, inspiration, identity development, and creativity. Additionally, by promoting material aspects such as urban tourism development, it also facilitates economic growth.
Often referred to as "experience graphic design," environmental graphics aim to create an engaging environment that resonates with people. They intersect with fields like industrial design, architecture, and urban planning, requiring graphic designers to collaborate across disciplines on environmental graphics projects. Environmental graphics also encompass interior and landscape design, linking to industrial design, urban planning, and behavioral psychology. Thus, environmental graphics can be seen as the interface between art and technology in the urban space, incorporating digital displays, urban lighting systems, interactive devices, and more.
Conclusion:The present study gathers information using a descriptive-analytical approach through library sources, drawing on books, articles, and electronic media focused on environmental graphics, public art, and urban tourism to access the latest insights into the role of environmental graphics in urban life. Key variables, such as environmental graphics, enhancement, relaxation, creativity, and others, are defined and analyzed systematically. The case studies were selected randomly based on their effectiveness in demonstrating the impact of environmental graphics on urban life quality.Given the enhancement potential of environmental graphics, this article examines these capabilities, introduces them, and evaluates their impact on society. The objective is to showcase the latent possibilities that can pave the way for a more elevated environment. This research is conducted through a descriptive-analytical method.
کلیدواژهها [English]