“The work we create needs to be timeless but create an impact, both today and 10 years from now,” says Jason Hirst. “Its meaning can be subtle or obvious and excitingly it can mean 100 things to 100 different people.”
The aim of large scale artworks in public places is to have people talk about them, touch them, sit under them, meet at them, be amused or thrilled by them. Public art should draw you to it and, if only for a minute, make you think or react.
Little Rhino Designs is dedicated to creating public art which is both suitable and makes a difference to its space. From initial concepts through to planning, fabrication, installation and handover, the team works closely with clients to deliver on time and on budget. We project manage every job from start to finish.
Working with Little Rhino Designs takes you through the following steps:
Initial briefing
Initial briefing
This first opportunity to discuss ideas and aesthetics, the space, budget and deadlines. We’ll dig into what the purpose of the piece is, what ideas you have for the space and any specific needs which must be considered. What’s your vision?
Thanks to years of experience, we’ll be able to develop a suitable approach to your project which considers the key aspects of what will create a successful outcome for all involved. Every project has unique requirements, milestones, installation challenges, weather or location. We’ll consider all these things in our initial briefing.
Concept designs
Concept designs
Armed with information from our initial briefing, we’ll create a concept with detailed drawings. They include considered explanations on aspects like colours and materials as well as why we think the design would be perfect for the space and any historical details of importance. The drawings explore all aspects of the project, finding unique ways to develop design ideas and consider the layers to the artwork and revealing it as a reflection of location. We’ll explain who we work with and how we’ll project manage the job from start to finish.
Modelling
Modelling
Modelling helps bring the vision to life. Providing a scaled maquette (or scale 3D model) offers a real world understanding of what the piece looks like, where it will stand and allows the examination of aspects like weather and sun positioning or foot traffic influence. It’s the perfect opportunity for everyone involved to visualise and discuss aspects of the artwork and understand its size and scale. We can also supply any 3D working drawings.
Engineering plans
Engineering plans
Engineering plans explain in detail what materials will be used and how all the pieces fit together. This includes aspects like colour, finishes and the type of materials needed. Durability is vital. Products are chosen for a 20-year minimum life span.
Fabrication
Fabrication
Our team of fabricators make the artwork. Attention to detail is especially important here, as all the pieces need to be made as directed in the engineering plans. During fabrication we constantly consider all aspects, looking at details required for onsite assembly, how the artwork will be delivered and how to tackle projects with unique requirements.
We welcome a challenge, whether an artwork is 14 meters tall or an installation is six storeys up the side of a building. With more than 25 years of experience in producing large scale artworks, we understand each project is different.
Little Rhino Designs artworks are durable, robust and well suited to their intended function, follow Australian Safety Standards and require little to low maintenance. We create safe designs that will perform well for the life of the work.
Installation
Handover
Handover
Once the artwork is installed and all aspects of the project have been completed and approved, we’ll give you a maintenance report outlining all fabrication aspects, warrants for the works and a clear understanding and outline of how the artwork can be kept in best condition. Then we’ll hand over the metaphorical keys and it’s all yours. Send out the invites for the official unveiling!
