Visual Representation Study For The Public Symbol System In SHANGHAI RAILWAY STA(S.)

SHANGHAI RAILWAY STA(S.) is one of entry and the southern gateway to Shanghai. With the coming of 2008 Olympic Games and 2010 World Exposition, the South Station, as the symbol of urban civilization and modernization, draws our attention again. South station is acting as a sign of the landscape in Shanghai. This paper focuses on how the system of symbols of SHANGHAI RAILWAY STA(S.) characterized and produced its signification.Applying visual representation theory in this paper, we make constructivism point view of Hall's representation theory as starting point. We analyze the public symbol system in SHANGHAI RAILWAY STA(S.) by searching for signs, summing up symbols, interpreting symbols and producing its meaning, and we think the symbols having public and social characteristics. Meanwhile, symbols system is not accidental, arbitrary, and single; while its significant production has its historical context and local cultural background. The operating procedure of Visual representation regards language or symbols as a system to explore, and it asks people to hold on the meaning conveyed by the sign, no matter the sign is being seen or people are seeing it. Symbols are the most advantage media for the significant production and cycling. They could set up meaning, maintain the dialogue between the participants and establish a shared culture code; therefore the participants can interpret the world with a similar way.