Is RTD on the Right Track?
According to the Denver Post, RTD started selling advertising on light-rail cars in 2010 and the format has quickly grown in popularity… obviously for advertisers. Since January, when RTD moved ahead with the new format, 36 advertisers have employed the method. And while they’re “very excited to have this revenue source,” has anyone given any thought to the rest of us: RTD’s 65,000 passengers, the countless pedestrians, and others that are forced to observe the ”vivid and colorful” advertisements? Sure some may have given feedback that the ads are “surprising, colorful, vibrant and fun,” but there’s little consistency from the sophisticated advertisement for the King Tut exhibition at the DAM to the brash adverts for McDonald’s or Blackhawk Casinos.
This article could not have been more timely. Thursday afternoon I was stopped by a bright red McDonald’s advertisement wrapping three light-rails cars in their entirety. I was surprised, yes, but not amused. Just saying. Okay, I know, it may seem ridiculous to even discuss this. We’re bombarded daily with volumes of fragmented and disconnected information and advertising images. From our computer screens to billboards. It’s a fact of our ever-changing world and the speed of modern life. And most transit authorities are having trouble balancing their budgets and offering the services that commuters insist upon. RTD does face a $12 million shortfall.
I can’t complain too much. I would prefer that my light-rail car be wrapped in an obtrusive and visually upsetting ad than smell like urine. Let’s just say that when I moved to Denver, my public transportation experience went from what sometimes felt like third-world to more first class. All I’m asking is that perhaps before becoming Governor of Colorado, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper will appoint a Denver Director of Aesthetics that can govern these advertisements among the other visual aspects of our urban landscape.
Aspen Art Museum Moves Forward
This week in the New York Times, Robin Pogrebin reported that The Aspen Art Museum is proceeding with the purchase of land in downtown Aspen for the construction of a new building designed by the architect Shigeru Ban, pictured above. They’ve made public the design concept and preliminary model of the 30,000-square-foot wood-and-glass structure. The museum also announced that the new building will include 12,500 square feet of exhibition space, a roof-deck sculpture garden, a classroom, museum shops, cafe, offices and storage.
The Aspen Art Museum has some less-than-inspiring images of the proposed project. For a visual arts institution you might expect something a little more sexy. In any case, I’m a little confused… the project was announced back in 2008 and when you head directly to Shigeru Ban’s site you see what must have been the original proposal (?) when the project began. Two similar but different looking designs, but no mention of the changes anywhere in the press.
Apolis Activism Market Bag
Yes, it’s certainly more expensive than your average reusable bag… especially those stylish versions you’ll find convieniently located near the checkout counter of your local Safeway, King Soopers or Whole Foods. You know the bags: subtly branded with the grocery store’s name and logo. More is more.
Why settle for a bag designed for the “unwashed masses” when you can get your hands on some golden jute fiber harvested in Bangladesh. It’s way more distinctive. The Apolis Activism Market Bag ($60) features a waterproof lining, vegetable-dyed leather straps with antique nickel rivets, a 6×7 in. interior pocket, and over 7.5 gallons of storage room.
Started by three brothers from Santa Barbara, Apolis Activism has re-designed the way fashion works from the ground up by connecting it with the global community. They anchored this vision in the word Apolis, which roughly translates as a cityless or countryless — where there are no borders. Apolis started making garments in 2004 and began embroidering a trademark red stitch on each piece. The sign of relief and an icon for all global citizens committed to quality and change. Apolis Activism applies contemporary design, premium fabrics, and an opportunity to share the value of trade.
leave a comment