I’ve just read an interesting article from William Eccleshare of Clear Channel International on today’s Campaign Live web site, discussing the impact and contribution of Out-of-Home to cityscapes. Mr Eccleshare persuasively argues that many city landscapes are improved by OOH, also adding to the quality of life for many residents. And, the revenues created by OOH rents and use of transport systems, street furniture, bike share schemes and tourist attractions are significant.
As a field-research company (@siteaudits) we’ve seen most major High Streets across the country and generally we’d agree. Though, the one area where a more progressive policy would be welcome is managing void sheet age that remains un-posted or panels allowed to decline. Tatty posters and badly managed sites diminish the locality being a significant structure and, potentially, an eyesore.
Perhaps on a different scale, the impact of urban decay is well documented in New York where districts with ‘broken windows‘ indicated lesser civic pride and likely higher crime. Though, no such correlation (with OOH) is suggested here it might be socially responsible if the industry was to agree – and implement – guidelines to avoid instances, such as the examples we often see (below).
What do you think?