AV Case Study: University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne adds striking, Aurora LED curved signage to its merchandise store.
1 October 2024
Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is ranked the number one university in Australia, fourteenth in the world – no mean feat when you consider that eminent US and European institutions were centuries old when the UM was being built – and eighth in the world in ‘graduate employability worldwide’. To clarify that, the university boast an international focus which makes it a global player in the higher education market.
With such a lofty pedigree, it might seem odd that the university has a ‘merchandise’ store, but when you think about it, part of the lore of university life is the branded clothes, the stationary, gift cards… students all around the world display their university allegiance proudly by wearing and using university stuff. So, it should come as no surprise that the university needs a campus retail outlet and a large range of related merchandise. The University of Melbourne catalogue even includes stuffed toys of the university’s mascot, ‘Barry the Bear’, replete in graduation gown and black cap – or a hoodie. The XL version will set you back $120. There is also an unnamed stuffed kangaroo or koala toy. Perhaps they didn’t graduate?
SHOW STOPPER
The university decided the store needed some new statement signage that would provide clear identification of the University of Melbourne brand and be an eye-catching feature. Although the interior of the store isn’t extensive, management wanted the signage inside the space rather than as an exterior installation. Signage consultants Studio Semaphore were brought into the project. Suspending the sign above a central service desk was identified as the best solution both aesthetically and from an engineering point of view, utilising available mounting points. Windows in the northeast corner allowed for clear sight lines into the store, making the planned signage easily visible for customers approaching from busy pedestrian routes. The physical shape of the signage would be unique; a carousel configuration requiring continuous bends and curves that complemented the store’s décor and matched the ceiling shape above.
FINE ART
Chris Sismanes and his team at Vision One Technologies were asked to make the design a reality, and the obvious product perfect for the job was the Aurora series of Indoor Flexible and Radius Curve LED displays. These are LED modules just 8mm thick that can be bent and curved up to 180°. They’re fixed onto any cabinet structure using magnets, allowing for precise positioning of the modules as required, plus further adjustment later as the sign is built, and when minute changes might be called for. The expected content for the sign was to be created by University of Melbourne staff and sent to the display via a Scala SMP series media player and handled by NovaStar Taurus TB50 processor. The software content was well within the staff’s skills and almost no training was required.
The installation work stretched over a longer period than normal because of the need to co-ordinate with the merchandise store’s schedules, and the university’s check and balance processes for every stage of the project were, as you’d expect, meticulous. Vision One enjoyed great support from Westan, the distributor of Aurora LED, in ensuring the university received all the extra information and documentation needed.
Chris explains, “Westan always has your back, ready to help in any way they can – not just in the actual product support, but also in every aspect of the project. Westan is such a fantastic resource of expertise. The Aurora screens are just brilliant and create a seamless surface no matter how extreme the shape required.”
The framework was engineered, constructed, and installed by the University-appointed builder under clear guidelines form Aurora engineers and Vision One technicians, as was all the necessary cabling. Vision One Technology technicians installed the hardware before the Aurora team added the finishing touches of the Flexible Curve LED modules.
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The Aurora screens are just brilliant and create a seamless surface no matter how extreme the shape required
VISUAL IMPACT
These days, we’re used to curved signage and screens that follow any existing architecture. Even so, the signage inside the University of Melbourne’s merchandise store is an impressive example of a bespoke design that complements the surrounding décor, has maximum impact, and yet isn’t too intrusive or ‘in your face’ when the space itself isn’t particularly large. The Aurora Flexible Curve modules have provided exactly what the client visualised was needed despite the challenging shape and placement. Vision One Technologies and Westan have certainly graduated with top honours with this project.
In fact, they can choose a stuffed Barry the Bear from the top shelf.
Vision One: visionone.com.au
Aurora Signage: aurorasignage.com.au
Westan: westan.com.au
RESPONSES