When you hear New York mentioned anywhere, the first things that pop up in your mind are the bright lights of Times Square and the street food. It is known to be the most popular tourist destination.
Now, if you consider removing the signage and the lights, do you think it would still be as popular? When the New York Times moved its headquarters to a location between Broadway and Seventh Avenue and 42nd and 43rd Streets in 1904, the first electric advertisement was set up there. You could say that was the beginning of the evolution of Time Square.
Times Square became a popular place for businesses to advertise as more people began to visit downtown to watch theatre, dine in restaurants, and engage in other sorts of entertainment. In the 1940s, New York City saw the emergence of captivating billboards, one of which became an iconic sight in Times Square: The Camel billboard. It graced the exterior of the Claridge hotel, located at the corner of Broadway and 44th Street, from 1941 to 1966. The billboard featured a man who blew enormous, five-foot “smoke” rings, created by a machine cleverly concealed behind the sign. Every four seconds, the machine released rings of steam, captivating the visitors in the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square. 9000 sqaure feet LCD NASDAQ
The Times Square signage undergoes constant changes driven by advancements in technology. In 2008, an innovative sign powered solely by nature was introduced at the intersection of 42nd Street and Seventh Ave. This sign, created by Ricoh and At, utilized four wind turbines and 45 solar panels for its power. With an impressive size of over 9,000 square feet, the LCD NASDAQ signage stands as the largest continuous sign in Times Square.
The evolution of Times Square signage and the impressive developments in Dubai’s signage landscape both showcase the dynamic transformation of iconic urban spaces over the years. Times Square has long been synonymous with bright lights and eye-catching billboards. From the first electric advertisement in 1904 to the iconic Camel billboard in the forties, Times Square has continually evolved, becoming a global symbol of advertising and urban vibrancy.
Dubai, on the other hand, has rapidly grown into a modern metropolis, redefining urban architecture and design. With its futuristic skyline, Dubai is renowned for its extravagant and innovative use of signage, transforming the city into a stunning visual spectacle. The towering skyscrapers and bright displays have elevated Dubai’s signage game to great heights.
Both Times Square and Dubai have distinct features in their signage and cityscape. Times Square is a classic and historic hub of urban advertising, while Dubai stands out for its modern and innovative approach to signage and architecture. Both places captivate visitors and residents with their charm and visual splendour, setting new standards for urban design and signage.
Blue Rhine Industries is thrilled and honored to be a part of transforming UAE by illuminating the city by providing led signage and immersive digital experiences in Dubai. Through our innovative lighting solutions and materials, we help make Dubai even more vibrant and captivating. We take pride in playing a role in the city’s ongoing development and are committed to contributing to its beauty and charm for years to come.
