Maribyrnong City Council identified a need to rectify an inconsistent, tired and dated signage system, which had been developed in an ad hoc manner over many years. HeineJones was commissioned to design a new city wide signage solution – including Gateway signage, Village signage, Facility signage and Open Space signage (including identification, wayfinding, and regulatory).

The City of Maribyrnong is approximately 31 square kilometres in size and includes nine suburbs –  a large area with extensive signage needs, varied stakeholders and diverse urban and natural outdoor environments. The brief demanded a simple, timeless and beautifully detailed solution – and, above all, a cohesive and consistent look and feel which would communicate clearly and effectively.

HeineJones developed a new signage suite – distilling an existing suite of well over 50 sign types back to just 13 distinct sign types – realising the objective of a simple and manageable system. To deliver this solution HeineJones implemented an initial audit and analysis process, followed by an extensive stakeholder engagement process to determine the needs and extent of the new system. After a rigorous design process, HeineJones prepared a 160 page manual, detailing the system and every sign type to a level which would allow the council to tender the project. The manual includes system wide standards and usage guidelines; sign specific fabrication, assembly and graphic setout guidelines; location and orientation methodologies; mapping and typography standards; and engineering and certification.

HeineJones delivered an effective design solution and an extensive and detailed manual. This will ensure that the city is home to a cohesive and consistent signage system – in turn promoting a positive and progressive identity and outlook for the city. Maribyrnong City Council officers are extremely pleased with the project outputs and outcome.