2015 commemorated the 100 year Anniversary of the ANZAC expedition to Gallipoli – the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces.

This project called for a series of interpretive markers. Objectives were to recognise local places of significance to the ANZAC war effort; honour local soldiers who fought in the war; engage the public at an emotive level; and make sure the public understood that the sacrifice made by those soldiers and the impact on the local community.

The HeineJones solution is an interpretation of the famous ‘slouch hat’ worn by the ANZAC troops. The distinctive slouch hat has a rolled brim and rounded form, and the image of a slouch hat hanging vertically from a rifle is not only iconic, but is deeply etched in the Australian identity.

The curvaceous nature of the design is different and compelling, and ‘softens’ the confronting story being told. The base structure material is laser cut, perforated and rolled mild steel, which has been powered coated to replicate a ‘rust’ finish. A key feature of the design is the perforated images of the local soldiers. The black printed panel is vitreous enamel, in a matt finish.

Digital support to the ANZAC story is provided by an augmented reality (AR) solution. Triggered by the images on the structure, the viewer can use their mobile device to view videos and audio.

The client is extremely happy with the project outcome, claiming a high level of usage and a sensitive visual fit to the environment. The public’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, and data from the AR component confirms a high number of participants and level of engagement.