Purposeful pillars planned precisely
Four concrete signs that cost $85,000 to design and build will help people find their way around New Plymouth.
BGBB Architects, Livingstone Building NZ and Sam Design were commissioned by the New Plymouth District Council to create four ‘‘wayfinding signs’’ as part of a long term inner city development project.
Council contributed about $42,500 to the sign project with the rest of the $85,000 cost funded by the NZ Transport Agency.
The signs show people where they can find such things as bus stops, toilet facilities, medical centres and how to get to such places as Pukekura Park.
BGBB Architects design director Murali Bhaskar said it took about six months to configure the project with careful consideration of UV light damage, possible vandalism and even people with colour blindness.
‘‘We wanted them to be beautiful and long-lasting,’’ he said. ‘‘This project is about respecting our city.’’
‘‘These are meant to withstand damage while giving a personal touch of Taranaki.’’
‘‘Every colour chosen was with purpose. It’s soft and easy to read.’’
The pillars were laid with aluminum panels that could be replaced in case of future city developments.
The ‘‘main’’ pillar is located at the intersection of Brougham and Ariki St and stands 2.8 metres high.
The other three were 2.3m high and located at Egmont St and Ariki St, the corner of Devon St West and Liardet St and the intersection of Devon St East and Gover St.
‘‘There’s a possibility of a fifth one to be placed by Len-Lye, but it depends on the approval for development on that street,’’ Bhaskar said.
He said the team was proud of their project and hoped others would be inspired to explore the city more because of them.
‘‘They’re friendly and approachable and we think they came out very nicely.’’