Trend Watch September 2024

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. 

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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.

Image courtesy of TFNSW