Westfield Shopping Centre - Totems as direction signs Two back-lit totems made of the solid surface HI-MACS® by LG Hausys as a help for wayfinding. Photographer: Michael Zirn, Architect: Pearson Lloyd
Mediacite - direction sign Innovative direction sign made of the solid surface HI-MACS® by LG in a shopping centre, the Médiacité, in Lüttich. Photographer: Jean-Luc Deru, Architect: Ron Arad
Westfield Shopping Centre Signposting made of the solid surface HI-MACS® by LG Hausys in the Westfield Shopping Centre. Photographer: Michael Zirn, Architect: Pearson Lloyd
Porsche Museum - direction sign made of solid surfaces in the entrance area Direction sign made of the solid surface HI-MACS® by LG Hausys in the entrance area in the Porsche Museums in Stuttgart. Photographer: Zoey Braun, Architect: hg merz architekten, Delugan Meissl

Trend: Wayfinder - On the right track

The central task in the conceptual development phase of retail space planning is to create a clear line of orientation using contemporary design and modern technology.

Until now, displays made of metal, wood, plastic, printed paper or even textiles have been the common solution to make orientation easier for customers in shopping malls. The expansion of sales areas, an increasing relevance of new media and the implementation of lighting elements had the consequence that the existing components of Wayfinder and their functions needed to be redefined.

The Westfield London Shopping Centre was constructed through the end of 2008. In the aesthetic and functional development of the internal infrastructure, the planners built their innovative ideas into future-oriented formats – both in the area of design as well as in the choice of materials and technical implementation.

For the entire project, interactive ring-shaped signs with integrated LCD touch screens were developed. These extraordinary thermally-formed objects clearly demonstrate to what degree the solid surface material HI-MACS® by LG Hausys can be sculptured. At the same time, Rosskopf & Partner demonstrated the perfection and quality with which these surfaces can be fabricated into a single component. Progressively designed information centres using touch-screen monitors supplement the possibilities for visitors to find shops. Here again, the engineers at Rosskopf & Partner were aptly able to provide the precise shapes necessary and resolve the technical requirements of their construction. Backlit signs, milled pictograms and printed panels demonstrate what can be accomplished using solid surface material.

Rosskopf & Partner produced all-encompassing orientation systems that were custom-made to meet specific requirements. Due to its formability, solid surface material ranked first place. The wide range of colours, various thicknesses and the long-lasting robust surfaces are a further advantage. Monitors, LCD screens, conventional light sources or LED lights can be securely and inconspicuously integrated into the components. The combination of solid surface material with other substances, such as metal, Plexiglas, wood or stone is also possible with no difficulty.

Rosskopf & Partner’s assortment of other available materials can also be used to create modern orientation systems.  With the exception of the high degree of thermal sculpturing that is permitted using solid surface material, the engineering of products using quartz material, mineral glass and porcelain ceramics can also provide flawless results. As a skilled specialist with many years of experience, Rosskopf & Partner is, in every case, the right choice.