The Magic of Supergraphics

Creating Vibrant and Engaging Public Spaces

Supergraphics are defined as large-scale or large-format graphic design. Charles Moore originally coined the term in the late 1950s. The pioneers hark back to this era, but Supergraphics are still well-used. One of the best modern examples in public space is Copenhagen’s Superflex-Superkilen.

The designs typically feature bold colours,?geometric shapes,?and prominent lettering and are applied to multiple surfaces. Here, we are exploring Supergraphics in the context of public space, including plazas, town squares, laneways, underpasses, cycleways, walkways, skateparks and outdoor courts.

Using Supergraphics is not just for fun; we use them to draw people into our active spaces, with the underlying mission of getting Kiwis active. A successful active space strikes a perfect balance between inspiration and functionality.

Understanding how colour and Supergraphics impact people and the community is important to our mission, and we want to spread the benefits beyond our current scope of work, which is predominantly the ground plane of our outdoor basketball courts. Before launching into Supergraphics, we warmed our clients and community up to the idea by demonstrating the power of colour.

Inspiration: The Power of Colour

Colour is powerful for sparking excitement and drawing people to active spaces.?

In 2016,?we partnered with Auckland Council to showcase this with the city's first coloured basketball court and backboards at Potters Park, Balmoral.

This vibrant court isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but a community favourite.?People from all corners of Auckland travel specifically to play here.

Studies have shown that colour greatly affects human perception and experience and has been used in public architecture and space throughout history. While research explores the psychological effects of colour, its impact can be complex. Human emotions are subjective, and our mental state and colour associations can vary greatly. However, most people have universal reactions to colour, which indicates that colour can be our international visual language.

The three main purposes and benefits of using colour in public spaces.

Practical

To signal, separate, and aid in human circulation and wayfinding.

Artistic and Cultural

Local identity and visual storytelling contribute to the personality of the place.

Optical Stimulation

Emotional impacts of colour.

‘Colour is valuable to add a hint of magic which is needed in any place.’

????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Luis Barragan, Architect, Colour Revolutionary, 1980

From Colour to Supergraphics

Supergraphics act as a powerful nexus, bridging the gap between art, architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, placemaking and graphic design. These designs are characteristically bold, employing a striking interplay of blocky shapes and colours. Unlike traditional murals, which often feature intricate details applied typically to walls, Supergraphics are distinct for their scale and simplicity.

Following the success of the Potters Park colour court, we've embraced Supergraphics. Many designs are created by local iwi, incorporating traditional visual storytelling and reflecting the unique character of each location. We also bring to life, on a grand scale, design contributions from the community, clients, local artists, and landscape architects.

The courts have sparked joy, connection, and increased physical activity around the motu.

The three main purposes and benefits of using Supergraphics in public spaces align closely with the benefits of using colour — Practical, Artistic and Cultural, and Optical Stimulation —but amplified!

Enduring Impact

The impact of our work so far is undeniable.?The positive response has been significant, from the first colour court created eight years ago to the beautifully designed courts and public spaces we continue to deliver for our clients today.?

Our Supergraphics installations are designed for lasting impact, not fleeting trends or temporary interventions. The benefits of our system are:

Extremely durable

Our Surfacing System is high-quality, durable, vehicle-proof, and low-maintenance. It extends the life of your asphalt or concrete investment, guaranteeing the impact endures for years to?come.

Backed by Warranty

10-year product warranty.?

High Impact, Lasting Value

Applying Supergraphics or colour is an affordable intervention with a transformative outcome.

What’s Possible – Spread the Supergraphics Love

Let’s spread the positive vibes of Supergraphics to other types of public spaces and new canvases in Aotearoa. Think underpasses, plazas, town squares, laneways, cycleways, walkways and skateparks.

Check out Supergraphics Inspiration from around the world!

Contact us if you’d like to chat!

[email protected]

www.parklife.co.nz

+64 9 871 0256