Description:

isite is the trusted national provider of visitor information and booking services. The network is currently undergoing development to upgrade selected physical sites and digital assets. The future vision is for a network that is nationally consistent yet locally relevant, showcasing regional personality and knowledge to inspire action and build meaningful, reciprocal connections.

A recent brand refresh included Tiaki Kaupapa. The brief called for consistent quality of customer experience, flexibility, diversification of revenue streams and partnership opportunities with a design that’s recognisable, inspirational, and retains a high level of isite’s brand recognition and trust.

Our concept, ‘The gateway to our place’ positions each site as a gateway to the region locally and Aotearoa nationally. It’s an invitation to explore enriching experiences through connections to people, place and culture. Our planning strategy unlocks the full potential for a range of locations and functional requirements. Base-builds are pared back, becoming a blank canvas for inspiration. Next a modular framework is added to encompass all functions, retail, display, community engagement and bookings. The framework transforms information to inspiration, curating product and focusing attention. Functions are organised to encourage exploration and manāki manuhiri upon arrival.

Aligning with the Taiki Kaupapa we challenge ourselves to avoid plastic fittings and decarbonise our design. A refined material palette of pine plywood, woca oil and pegboard were selected for their natural and malleable qualities. We worked hard to create both modular frames, storage and retail display accessories, brochure holder, book racks, postcard holders - all except for the odd metal peghook. Accessories are designed to offer a variety of arrangements allowing local owners to configure and reconfigure as desired. Drawing inspiration the outdoors, hiking and technical clothing inspire pops of orange and stropping ties as playful moments of detailing.

Plywood was a natural choice, both environmentally and creatively; a workable material that opened opportunities to integrate the new branding for isite which included beautiful Tohū patination. We sought opportunities to integrate this patten within the framework design through routing and laser etching. Custom saveBOARD used for sales counters are an intentional counterpoint to the framework inspiring intuitive wayfinding. Rounded edges encourage the exchange of knowledge between local experts and manuhiri encouraging face to face discussions. The counters themselves are made using a custom saveBOARD betterJOINERY product mixing in unused isite brochures, giving them a new life.