Daymark 13 Hamilton Gardens

Finalist
Credits
  • Pou Auaha / Creative Director
    Alexander Wastney
  • Pou Rautaki / Strategic Lead
    Jackson Croucher
  • Pou Taketake / Cultural Lead
    Mahaki Whauwhau
  • Ngā Kaimahi / Team Members
    Guiliana Bottari, Essi Airisniemi, Thomas Casey, Charlotte Lowe
  • Client
    Hamilton City Council
Description:

With the launch of a new visitor centre and the introduction of paid entry, Hamilton Gardens needed a signage and wayfinding system that reflected its status as a world-class destination. We developed a comprehensive, site-wide solution that improved navigation, supported accessibility, and reinforced the Gardens’ unique brand identity. The system balances functionality with environmental sensitivity, using clear bilingual typography, custom iconography, and durable materials that integrate seamlessly into the landscape. Hero arrays and duotone imagery introduce each themed garden, enhancing storytelling and orientation. The design is modular, scalable, and built to endure, reducing reliance on staff and improving visitor flow. More than a signage project, this work strengthens the overall visitor experience by embedding the brand into the environment — encouraging exploration, increasing dwell time, and supporting operational and cultural outcomes through a thoughtful, cohesive environmental design approach.