TYPOGRAPHY CHARACTERISTICS ON PUBLIC FACILITY SIGNAGES IN PROBOLINGGO CITY: A LINGUISTIC LANDSCAPE STUDY

Abstract

This study aims to describe the typographical characteristics of public signages in Probolinggo
City's public facilities and analyse their visual relationship with spatial functions. Adopting a
Linguistic Landscape (LL) approach, this research explores the visual aspects of lettering,
including typeface, anatomy, and layout, as a form of urban identity. A qualitative method with
descriptive visual semiotics analysis was employed. Data were collected through photographic
documentation using high-resolution cameras. The research objects include 14 popular public
facility categories: the city square (alun-alun), railway station (stasiun kereta api), harbour
(pelabuhan), 3 city parks (taman kota), the great mosque (masjid besar), the Red Church (gereja
merah), museums, 2 Hospital, food courts (pujasera), the zoo (kebun binatang), and green open
spaces (ruang terbuka hijau). The results indicate a tendency to use geometric Sans Serif
typography in transportation and health facilities for information efficiency, whereas decorative
typography is predominantly used in recreational areas to evoke a welcoming and aesthetic
atmosphere.