Spotted Gum Wood Without Worry, guess my age.
It's impressive to see how Street Furniture Australia (SFA) played a significant role in upgrading train stations across New South Wales (NSW), particularly in Sydney, by providing innovative and functional seating solutions. The Mall DDA Seat, Concourse 4-seater, and Aero Leaning Rail were chosen as part of a $33 million upgrade plan to enhance Sydney's train stations' overall atmosphere and comfort. This initiative, announced in July 2014 by then NSW Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian, included various improvements such as lighting, landscaping, paintwork, and public furniture.
One of the critical challenges faced by Street Furniture Australia was to modify the standard seat design to incorporate signage while ensuring a high production rate within a short timeframe. SFA addressed this challenge by adopting lean manufacturing methods, which helped minimize waste during the assembly process at their Regents Park factory.
The new seating solutions offered by SFA for Sydney Trains stations provided increased comfort and incorporated ergonomic armrests, making it easier for people with reduced mobility to sit and stand. This ergonomic focus was crucial for ensuring accessibility and ease of use for all passengers.
As of 2023, the Spotted Gum Wood Without Worry, a proprietary wood alternative used on the Mall DDA seating, now 7 years old, has proven to be a durable and low-maintenance solution, maintaining its appearance despite the passage of time and high traffic. This wood alternative offered the aesthetic appeal of wood without the need for frequent maintenance.
With the expansion of the Sydney Trains network leading to increased platform traffic and crowding during peak travel times, SFA responded to user demands for comfortable and safe seating. The collaborative design process between SFA and their clients was pivotal in meeting safety and aesthetic requirements. This approach ensured that the seating solutions met the desired design standards and prioritized passenger safety and comfort.
Bill Morrison, co-director of Street Furniture Australia, emphasized the company's commitment to delivering top-notch production quality and design solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the Sydney Trains network. The combination of world-class speed in production, innovative design, and a strong emphasis on safety resulted in the successful implementation of seating solutions that align with the future vision of Sydney's train stations.
