Why did Melbourne change their Street furniture to Stainless Steel?
Melbourne decided to change its street furniture throughout the city to stainless steel for several compelling reasons including sustainability, economic benefits and to improve the city’s image.
Key Takeaways
• A life cycle costing study conducted by the City of Melbourne revealed that over a 25-year term, stainless steel street furniture would result in financial savings of $6.2 million AUD compared to alternatives, due to lower maintenance and replacement costs as reported by ASSDA.
• Stainless steel is recognised for its durability, safety, hygienic properties, and low maintenance costs, making it a sustainable solution for street furniture. It supports urban planners' and authorities' goals for sustainable development and cost-effective long-term solutions.
• Improved City Image. According to Ian Dryden, Principal Industrial Designer for the City of Melbourne, when interviewed by Worldstainless “Keeping a city nice and tidy is important as it affects the image of the city. All of this is possible with stainless steel, it looks good and it is easy to clean and maintain.”
• Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and the current make up of Rimex’s stainless steel is from 85% recycled content, thus making it a part of the circular economy.
Stainless Steel Seating
Street furniture, such as seating in public spaces in Melbourne needed to be comfortable, durable and easy to maintain. Stainless steel ticked these boxes and the addition of a pattern in the stainless steel, such as Rimex’s 6WL pattern also helps to prevent vandalism such as graffiti, as its an easier surface to clean, and also helps dissipates Melbourne’s heat. Textured stainless steel is a hard and durable material, when used in high traffic areas, it offers you both durability and aesthetics.
Stainless Steel Garbage Bins
The imposition of stainless steel garbage bins in Melbourne city has dramatically improved the appearance of streets, parks and playground. In addition, they can be high pressure washed with strong cleaning chemicals to maintain their sharp appearance, plus withstand heavy abuse. Stainless Steel Pattern finishes such as Rimex’s 5WL & 6WL add strength and rigidity, all of which help with long term durability.
Stainless Steel Public Amenities
Toilet and shower cubicles were also included in the Melbourne Street Furniture Stainless Steel project. Some would argue that the minimalist design has improved the space and surroundings of such facilities whilst council cleaning crews have been able to administer high pressure soap, water and disinfectants without fear of causing damage.
Again, Rimex’s 6WL pattern finish was used which has helped reduce the incidence of wear, tear and damage.
Stainless Steel Kiosk Transformation
With its fair share of kiosks in parks, public spaces, train stations and airports, Melbourne also set about transforming its kiosks into stainless steel. As part of its remit, Rimex was able to work closely with the Urban Design team to deliver unique and bespoke brand name logos that were laser etched into sheets of coloured stainless steel. The design team were able to work with us and create combination finishes to create something more distinctive and bespoke.
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