80 Ann Street
We’ve created an intuitive wayfinding system for the landmark 80 Ann St building, designed by long term collaborators Woods Bagot, in Brisbane’s business district. It reflects the rich history and character of the precinct. Using the architectural gesture of the ground plane travertine ‘ribbon’ to integrate signage and pathways around the site, including the heritage-listed Turbot Street Market, the system takes cues from local architecture and the subtropical climate. It creates a seamless and generously open new space in the city’s public realm.
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80 Ann Street
Ribbon in the ground
We’ve created an intuitive wayfinding system for one of Australia’s smartest buildings, Brisbane’s Heritage Lanes building at 80 Ann St, designed by long term collaborators Woods Bagot. Our work reflects the rich history and character of the precinct using the architectural gesture of the ground plane travertine ‘ribbon’ to integrate signage and pathways around the site, including the heritage-listed Turbot Street Market. The project’s $863m 35-level office tower is a world-class example that embraces leading technology, sustainability and design.
Follow the ribbon
By drawing on the architectural ground plane ‘ribbon’ — a travertine inlaid strip that encourages visitors to move freely through the site — our concept of ‘continuing the city’s ground plane’ came to life. Signs literally flow upwards from the ground, integrating seamlessly with the ribbon and creating intuitive wayfinding pathways. The same organic geometry is used for wall-mounted signs, creating delicate frames to hold messaging, and for expressive large-scale graphics in the end of trip and car park areas.
Distinctive architectural character
One of the challenges of the project was the site’s numerous entry points and sub-precincts, each with its own distinctive architectural character. For major building signage we chose to reflect these, giving signage at each entry its own distinct identity. The same approach was used for retail signage, where forms adapt to their environment. At the main entry, we created an iconic landmark using the 80 Ann logo embedded into the ground plane and extending it upwards. It creates an impact on arrival and draws visitors into the lobby.
Discovery and interaction
The system takes cues from local architecture and the subtropical climate. It creates a seamless and generously open new space in the city’s public realm. The signage scheme embeds deeply into the site’s heritage and arts strategy, using a system of illustrated discs embedded into the ground to tell the rich history of the site. These are integrated with audio soundscapes in key locations, creating a rich sense of discovery and interaction. Our scheme provides connectivity to adjacent precincts and encourages people to dwell and mingle.
Buildings that breathe
The design for 80 Ann Street was developed by Woods Bagot to respond to Brisbane City Council’s ‘New World City Design Guide — Buildings that Breathe’ program. The initiative offers a framework for new developments in Brisbane to consider the unique subtropical climate of the city and how buildings can be opened up to cooling breezes. ASPECT Studios dynamic landscaping has also responded to the report with lush plant life designed to add another layer to the performance and sustainability of the building, including the ‘breathable floor’ on level 23, a completely open garden terrace.
