About the author: Barry Fidnick (left), a store designer/planner and interior designer, has been creating environments for individuals and major retailers for more than two decades. One of his more rewarding experiences was designing stores for the Smithsonian Institution. While enjoying his second year in the Tribeca area, Barry has been out exploring the neighborhood, searching for new inspiration as well as rediscovering his passion for photography.

Each and every day, it’s amazing to count the sheer number of signs that we encounter with every step, on every block, in every aspect of our lives. I found these signs in and around Tribeca within a few short hours. Most often, the signs themselves were not remarkable, but upon a closer look, many became thought-provoking.

Some signs are so very similar, yet so extremely different.

Some signs are hung so high they are easily missed and some signs are placed so low they are easily missed as well.

Some signs are a sign of the past and some signs are a sign of the times.

Some signs have too many words and some places have too many signs.

Some signs can't help but be noticed and some signs are just simply ignored.

Some signs need no explanation.