DESIGNING FOR RECONCILIATION

Urban Fountains and Furniture (UFF) are proud to acknowledge Australia’s traditional custodians and their landmark history in the design of a range of public water fountains for the Livingston Shire Council.

The Council approached the team at UFF for help designing these fountain elements in celebration of 2017’s National Reconciliation Week. The design brief called for the incorporation of two specific historical events; May 27^th, 1967 – which marks the date Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were recognised in the national census; and June 3^rd, 1992 – The date of the Mabo decision from the High Court of Australia that officially overturned the terra nullius status of our country.

With respect to the cultural and historical importance of these two events, UFF selected the Apollo A280  fountain for its customisable options, durability and accessibility. The Apollo A280 includes a stainless-steel basin, bubbler and bottle filler, and was fitted out to include an additional side panel upon which the story of National Reconciliation week can be told.

UFF’s graphic designer took care to create a print that would flow with the design of the A280. The graphic had to be sleek and durable but most importantly, readable. Hence, it was decided custom plaques would be used in the side panels of the fountain. These side panels were extended and customised to include custom photo-etched aluminium plaques, which were recessed into both sides of the fountain.

As part of their Reconciliation Week program, the Livingston Shire Council announced their intention to use the commemorative fountains from UFF throughout their municipality’s public spaces. These bespoke fountains demonstrate how customisable street furniture can be utilised to acknowledge the history of our people and our places.