Sirius
Meet Sirius, a giant pink puppy and bespoke placemaking device. Located in Orion Springfield Central in Ipswich, Queensland, which is one of the fastest-growing areas outside Brisbane, not only did the dog go on to identify the space and lead people to it, it also became something of an attraction for Springfield Central as a whole, increasing trade for retailers and extending visitation time.
The Challenge
Originally, the Centre sought a Dog Park sign using a more conventional signage solution. It’s very unusual to have a dog park at a shopping centre, and this was seen as a unique opportunity to promote the facility and activate the High Street. Although a somewhat unusual colour, it catches the eye of those navigating through the shopping centre and provides a landmark for first- time users. Not only did the dog go on to identify the space and lead people to it, but it became something of an attraction for Springfield Central as a whole.
Project Vision
Orion Springfield Centre required a means of both activating and identifying their new dog park. This aimed to create not only a vibrant space for human and canine, but an overall activation of the Centre’s main street, adorned with shopfronts and other activities.
People engage with the dog park in this wide shot, while a pair of dogs roam around on either side of Sirius’ fence.
Rix Ryan Photography
A close-up of Sirius reveals the Orion inspiration behind his exterior design. Angular lines connect points of Sirius’ body, representing his ability to connect people.
Jeff Barker
This sketch-up render visualises Sirius and his posture from inside the dog park. It depicts Sirius’ fragmented body and its connecting points.
Brett Gosbell
Another sketch-up render visualises Sirius’ front-on exterior from the perspective of a person walking towards the installation along the adjacent footpath.
Brett Gosbell
Design + Execution
Diadem’s pink dog design drew inspiration from Orion’s very meaning and its constellation’s linking of stars; and in this case, connecting the community. The angularity of Sirius’ exterior reflects this and represents the idea of connecting the community through the space, both humankind and canine. Its pink colour palette agrees with that of the center-wide wayfinding design, but above all is bold and eye-catching, thus drawing patrons to the space and evoking curiosity whether they consider themselves a dog person or not. Sirius draws people towards him but also acts as something of a marker and an identifier. Visitors can understand their location within Orion and interact with Main Street’s offerings. Sirius encourages human interaction with the sculpture itself. His posture is one of play, leaning over and peering into the big dog part of the park from the small dog area. Sirius’ position prompts fun energy and wellness.
This sketch-up render visualises Sirius and his posture from inside the dog park. It depicts Sirius’ fragmented body and its connecting points.
Brett Gosbell
Early sketch ideations of Sirius.
Brett Gosbell
Early sketch ideations of Sirius.
Brett Gosbell
Project Details
I love how this project uses a sculptural aspect to create an identification sign that pushes the boundary of designing wayfinding systems. It's bold, clever, and simply memorable.
An alternative to conventional signage, this project is a joyful iconic landmark that uses three-dimensional faceted abstraction and bold color to communicate its message and to create a sense of place.
This entry is deceptively simple, but creating a sculpture instead of a sign was a brave choice for designer and client – and it payed off. It is playful, strong, memorable and truly creates a place.
Design Team
Adrian Vecino (wayfinding strategy)
Brett Gosbell (concept design)
Jack Normoyle (design development and documentation)
Danielle Churton (design management)
Jeff Barker (project manager)
Collaborators
Touch Signs (fabrication)
Photo Credits
Rix Ryan Photography, Jeff Barker (photography)
Brett Gosbell (renderings)
Open Date
June 2018