Mirror finished stainless steel sign blades can be found scattered along the central boulevard of Sydney’s revitalised Darling Harbour.
Through a recent $3.4 billion transformation, Darling Harbour has become Australia’s largest entertainment and events precinct boasting world class facilities, including over 40,000 square metres of exhibition space. This urban rejuvenation builds on the success of Darling Harbour and in turn, will generate $200 million annually in economic benefit for the NSW economy.
The Harbour is ringed by attractions, entertainment and extraordinary waterfront restaurants. The Boulevard creates an active north-south pedestrian connection between Central Station and Cockle Bay. Its prime location is within walking distance of most points in the Sydney CBD therefore wayfinding signage is pivotal in navigating people through and around the precinct.
ASSDA Member and Accredited Fabricator Stoddart were engaged by Lend Lease to manufacture and install 19 stainless steel wayfinding sign blades for Darling Harbour’s ‘once in a generation’ re-development. The sign blades are featured in groups of two and three, each standing seven metres tall and two metres wide.
258 panels of grade 316 stainless steel were used for the sign blades in order to provide housing for LED display screens throughout the precinct. The structural stainless steel frame also mounts speakers and power outlets. All stainless steel used in this project was supplied by ASSDA Member, Fagersta Steels.
Featuring a mirror profile finish, the stainless steel signs create a stunning visual effect through the reflection of the countless city lights and surrounds of the bustling tourist and entertainment mecca.
Stainless steel was specified by landscape architects, Hassell, for its aesthetic appeal and high-quality attributes. The Harbour’s salt water environment and location was also a consideration in the materials specification, being adjacent to the city centre.
It is only fitting for quality material such as stainless steel to be showcased in one of the world’s most desirable entertainment and event destinations.
This article featured in Australian Stainless magazine - Issue 64, Summer 2018/19.
