SIGNAGE IN THE SINGAPORE LANDSCAPE - A STUDY OF WARNING SIGNS IN PARKS RELATED TO ITS FLORA AND FAUNA

Abstract

Signs have been an important part of communicating, transferring information through making a fact or a message available for sensory perception, often with the use of words and/or pictures. Beyond the information on the signage however, one can find deeper meanings from the information chosen to be conveyed, together with the way the information is conveyed.

In some parks in Singapore, signs can be found warning people of falling fruits and branches or to watch out for certain wild animals. This paper gathers a photographic collection of a selection of such warning signs in the Singapore landscape.

Selected parks where one or more of such warning signs can be found are then studied in relation to these warning signs – their placement, as well as the content that the signs are cautioning park users about. The study seeks to understand possible reasons behind such signs, the potential dangers and its level of severity, together with the safety measures that are in place. The intended and unintended effects these signs have on park users and the meanings these signs attach to the landscape is also investigated.

In addition, signs in parks of other countries in similar situations, pertaining to similar issues will be briefly explored to see the possible alternative signage that are being used.

Ultimately, this study aims to gain an understanding of Singapore’s attitude towards natural landscape and outdoor life through its signage, and how such attitudes could perhaps be correspondingly changed through its signage.