Posted by: Jeff Parsons

In September of 2007, San Paulo, the world’s fourth-largest metropolis, was scrubbed of almost every type of outdoor advertising – even pamphlets. It’s all part of mayor Gilberto Kassab’s quest to eliminate visual clutter, making the city itself the focal point rather than colorful, increasingly desperate marketing campaigns.

I was intrigued when I first saw this pop up on my Facebook News Feed. I was interested in seeing the video and pics, and I wondered how Toronto or New York would look barren of any advertising… bleak and grey was my answer. Yes, big cities and even our hometown may go overboard on billboards and building advertising, but think of the extra colour and dynamic design it brings to the landscape.

I was in Toronto a couple of weeks ago celebrating our hockey gold medal (Go Canada Go!!) and I was in awe of the brightness and colour of all the illuminated signage and video advertising. It brought a sense of big city living. I know many will read this and think I’m biased because of the industry I’m in, but think of it this way: drive up Kenmount Road and imagine it devoid of any advertising. You would never know to roll up the rim or that you can get 0% financing at a local dealership.

I would love to hear your comments and feedback, and I hope this will spark some water cooler debates about this topic!

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2 Responses to “Keen and Clean… Or Is It?”

1. Earl N. says:

   March 12, 2010 at 3:26 pm

   It would be an interesting concept, for sure. I’m not sure a city like St. John’s would benefit one bit from such an undertaking. Sure, places like Kenmount Rd., Stavanger Dr., and Topsail Rd. would all look cleaner, but these are the only places that would benefit. And could we really call unobstructed views of endless parking lots beneficial?

   St. John’s is unique in that it has so much green space (in the summer) and open areas. Taking down some signs would not make this space any more prominent; we already have an abundance of it. I can see this working in large cities in which residents and visitors alike are inundated with flashing lights, billboards, and advertisements.

   But I’d still like to wonder how you’re supposed to know what’s what, especially if you miss the one tiny sign that’s permitted to be left over.

   Instead of taking away the Roll up the Rim ads, I’d rather see effort put into the act of convincing people to not throw their cup out the window once the rim has been rolled.
2. Ward says:

   March 19, 2010 at 9:28 am

   Has billboard advertising taken away the need for urban beautification?
   Have the colors of the adverts supplanted the colors of houses we still have in Newfoundland?
   Have placards replaced trees and greenery in some urban centers?

   If the answer to these questions is yes, than it would do a city well to remove all advertising until it learns to become itself and beautify itself once again.

   in the case of our fair city, it would seem that taste and beauty prevail, for the most part.

   Of course, your mileage may vary.