We have opened two new studios on the other side of the world; one in Melbourne and another in Auckland. Most people would perhaps set up their second office slightly closer to home but there are ambitious plans for infrastructure projects in Australasia which has encouraged us to look further afield. Our experience on Crossrail and other UK transport projects has enabled us to partner with local companies to provide specialist services in both industrial design and wayfinding. It is particularly rewarding that a number of colleagues from our London office have used this opportunity to return home to take an active part in the transformation of their home cities.
The research process provided us with a great opportunity to establish relationships with universities, engineers and rail operators. We have learnt a great deal from these collaborations, in particular the increasing need to utilise evidence-based research and the importance of behavioural science.
I am delighted to include an article from Dr Kate Jeffery, Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience at University College London. Earlier this year we presented ‘More than just signs’ at the inaugural Urban Wayfinding and the Brain event, hosted by the Royal Institute of Navigation and instigated by Dr Jeffery. This came about through a real need to bring academic research into design practice.
Finally, we were extremely excited to work with Marshalls, to introduce a new concrete landscape furniture range at designjunction, where we also completed the event wayfinding. This took place as part of London Design Festival in September 2017. The range was inspired by brutalist forms and textures and was on display at Granary Square, King’s Cross. After all the long hours put into material testing and quality control by the manufacturer, it’s always satisfying to see the finished product being used by the public.
Please email us if you'd like to be sent a copy of Object, alternatively you can view it here.
I would like to thank all our partners and clients for their continued support and we look forward to the year ahead.