How the humble bollard can add to the social life of communities
Writer Fred Kent and Kathy Madden from Social Life Project share how bollards, an often overlooked amenity, can be multifunctional when done right, creating community connection through seating, gathering, artistic statement or as a gentle “nudge” for drivers to behave better.
It is the small elements that change the whole character of a street and bollards are the simplest element that encourage social life to an often boring crosswalk. “At their best, they are places to lean on, perch, or strike up a conversation.”
There are many different types of bollards, different shapes and different sizes. Bollards are used in different ways, even for greenery. The most successful ones support social activity. Kent and Madden write, “This is because bollards often act as a cover for people, helping them to feel comfortable in a place where one might otherwise feel exposed. Intersections or large plazas are examples of places in which people feel more comfortable leaning on a bollard.”
Take a look at how bollards support social activity in these delightful photographs here. Sign up to Social Life Project’s free newsletter to learn more about the global Placemaking Movement. Image courtesy of Fred Kent and Kathy Madden.
Do you prefer Linea, Slim, Traditional or Wide? View the full range of Street Furniture Australia bollards here.
The 8 most spectacular installations at Sydney’s new Metro Stations
Sydney’s Metro opened last month and is said to be one of the largest and most efficient metros in the world. Commuters can travel from North Sydney to Barangaroo in just 3 minutes with Metro trains travelling 100km/hour. It’s not the speed of the trains that delights TimeOut writer Winnie Stubbs. “With stunning public artwork across many of the new stations, and the stations themselves feats of architectural magnificence, there’s a case for travelling on the new metro line for the aesthetic satisfaction alone.” Stubbs takes us on an adventure in Sydney’s Metro with the 8 most magnificent art installations.
Each installation has a different theme with many inspired by Eora’s (Sydney’s) native flora and fauna. First Nations communities have inspired pieces at Waterloo Station. Footprints on Gadigal Nura is a spectacular sculpture with 994 footprints of Gadigal people by multidisciplinary artist Nicole Monks who collaborated with knowledge holders.
The brand new Gadigal Station, named after the Gadigal Peoples, features two 12.5 metre high murals located opposite the escalators at the entrance (see featured image above). These artworks titled The Underneath, by Melbourne-based artist Callum Morton echo the “metro-esque tunnels that they feature”, writes Stubb.
Martin Place has a mixture of sculptures and mixed media with a light and sound display along the public walkway connecting the new platforms called “Mulu Giligu”.
Central Station has an inspirational, connective message spelled out to commuters and visitors to Sydney. Designed by Melbourne-based artist Rose Nolan, this artwork is a walking and reading experience. “All Alongside of Each Other” spells out a message across the space as a reminder to “stay focused when everything moves around you” and “expand the circle of compassion outwards”.
See the TimeOut review of eight Sydney Metro installation artworks here.
Successful products are often followed by copycats. Over the past year we have become aware of an increase in reproductions of the Linea range attempting to create a similar aesthetic at a lower price. This can compromise the overall durability and environmental credentials of projects being delivered, affect ongoing maintenance requirements, and in some instances pose a risk of injury to the public. The design of Linea is deceptively simple while delivering exceptional attention to detail. Details matter not only for beauty, but also for providing durability, and safety, that will last decades. Linea strictly uses the highest quality and sustainable materials, has passed rigorous strength tests, and is designed for longevity, with easily replaceable parts. The product range is the result of hundreds of hours of research and development …
Street Furniture Australia’s entire product range and manufacturing operation has received carbon neutral certification through Climate Active™. Achieving carbon neutral certification marks a significant milestone in our operation and the culmination of a four year long process of detailed measurement and analysis. Climate Active™ is the only Australian government-backed carbon neutral certification programme for businesses to measure, reduce, and offsets their carbon emissions. It is one of the most rigorous carbon-neutral programs in the world. An approved Emissions Reduction Strategy (ERS) is central to achieving certification through Climate Active. Street Furniture Australia has elected to use SBTi validated science-based targets to ensure their ERS is meaningful and aligns with the 2015 Paris Agreement – to limit global temperature rises to 1.5℃ above pre-industrial levels. For those emissions that can’t be …
Melissa Gerke, our Communications and Education Specialist, is bringing a fun, interactive and informative presentation about our carbon neutral journey and latest products to customers in cities around Australia and in the US. In 30 minutes (plus Q&A) we will explore materials and finishes, touch and feel samples, and bond with your colleagues over delicious treats. There will also be a mystery prize for a lucky winner (optional). 2024 cities and dates include: Select from three catering options (optional): To book, contact Melissa Gerke mgerke@streetfurniture.com
Street Furniture Australia’s entire product range and manufacturing operation has received carbon neutral certification through Climate Active™. Achieving carbon neutral certification marks a significant milestone in our operation and the culmination of a four year long process of detailed measurement and analysis. Climate Active™ is the only Australian government-backed carbon neutral certification programme for businesses to measure, reduce, and offsets their carbon emissions. It is one of the most rigorous carbon-neutral programs in the world. An approved Emissions Reduction Strategy (ERS) is central to achieving certification through Climate Active. Street Furniture Australia has elected to use SBTi validated science-based targets to ensure their ERS is meaningful and aligns with the 2015 Paris Agreement – to limit global temperature rises to 1.5℃ above pre-industrial levels. For those emissions that can’t be …
Ten principles for designing play spaces for neurodiverse children The growing body of research around inclusive design has deepened our understanding of this important area, paving the way for projects like Hassell’s new Mildred Creak Playground. Before the revitalisation of Edward Millen Park on Whadjuk Country in Perth, Western Australia, Hassell’s Senior Associate, Hannah Galloway and her team at Hassell met with teachers at Carson Street School and the Autism Association of Western Australia. They created ten key principles for designing play spaces for all children. Galloway said their goal was to design a unique space for all children to enjoy, regardless of their neurodiverse traits. “By incorporating sensory elements, promoting social interaction and providing spaces for regrouping and control, we can create environments where every child can thrive.” Hassell’s ten …
Successful products are often followed by copycats. Over the past year we have become aware of an increase in reproductions of the Linea range attempting to create a similar aesthetic at a lower price. This can compromise the overall durability and environmental credentials of projects being delivered, affect ongoing maintenance requirements, and in some instances pose a risk of injury to the public. The design of Linea is deceptively simple while delivering exceptional attention to detail. Details matter not only for beauty, but also for providing durability, and safety, that will last decades. Linea strictly uses the highest quality and sustainable materials, has passed rigorous strength tests, and is designed for longevity, with easily replaceable parts. The product range is the result of hundreds of hours of research and development …
