11.17.06

Bridging the Gap, Inc.

The Golden Gate Bridge is apparently a few dozen million dollars in the red. According to this SF Chronicle article, its Board of Directors is looking to rustle up some cash by “weav[ing] corporate branding into [this] heavily trafficked tourist attraction.” Personally, I can’t decide whether to be appalled or to have some fun exploiting the absurdity of treating a beautiful, internationally admired landmark like a baseball stadium.

The reasons for outrage are obvious: this can’t possibly be done in a non-tacky way. The Bridge was consciously and meticulously designed to reflect the natural beauty of the landscape. A Google or Cingular logo plastered anywhere near the structure would negate this careful planning. How does the Board envision “enhanc[ing] the value of the Golden Gate’s ‘brand’?” Here’s an explanation, from the article quoted above (previous quotes from same):

the district’s plans follow the lead of the National Park Service’s “Proud Partners Program,” which has raised $100 million from corporations such as Discover and Ford Motor Co … signs at trailheads in some parks greet hikers with: “This trail brought to you by Ford.”

The highly amusing idea of a motor vehicle company sponsoring a hiking trail (gas-guzzler guilt, anyone?) made me wonder how the Bridge branding could be optimized humor-wise. My solution? Perhaps French Connection could be the sponsor. Here’s one possibility, with the logo modified to fit the Art Deco style:

IMPORTANT: this image is a joke and is not associated with French Connection.

Say your words