Visual communication for the built environment wayfinding | placemaking | interpretation | celebration
The long and the short
It was with a dot and a dash—or a ‘dit’ and a ‘dah’—that a man named Morse proposed an inventive new mode of communication. One that could span vast distances, cut through noise, and deliver its message. And so when Mark Ross and Despina Macris started their small, can-do design studio in Brisbane in the late 80s, ‘Dot Dash’ seemed like a pretty good call sign. Dot Dash began transmitting in 1988, doing a little bit of everything. In recent years, the studio has sharpened its focus to specialise in visual communication for the built environment:
Wayfinding
Helping us to find our place, follow our path and reach our destination in an increasingly complicated landscape.
Placemaking
Defining, expressing and branding the character, culture and spirit of a place. Placemaking may communicate one central idea, or integrate many
separate elements.
Interpretation
Contributing to the understanding and appreciation of a place by communicating the stories and histories or the social and cultural context behind it.
Celebration
Capturing and expressing the spirit and vision of a significant place or major event. Visual communication that enhances the experience and accessibility of the places we inhabit.
From your local library to the Olympic Games
Today, Dot Dash has studios in Sydney and Brisbane, servicing projects Australia-wide and beyond.
Dot Dash has delivered visual communication programs for a wide range of large and complex built environments...- health care
- urban precincts
- parklands & open spaces
- commercial & retail
- major events & festivals
- sports stadiums
- cultural & civic
- education & research
- transport
- residential
- corporate interiors
People like you working with people like you
Dot Dash clients include government authorities, councils, major contractors, project managers and property developers. The studio is regularly referred by—and collaborates with—other design professionals, such as architects and landscape architects.
The Dot Dash team comprises design professionals from diverse backgrounds— graphic design, industrial design, architecture and jewellery design. The studio’s services include:
- strategic planning
- design
- documentation
- production supervision
Australian Graphic Design Association
Universal Design
To achieve the best outcome for all, Dot Dash adopts the philosophy of Universal Design which promotes broad spectrum design principles for products and environments that will help everyone, to the greatest possible extent, without the need for adaptation or specialised design. Guidance by these principles leads to a non-discriminatory approach and provides increased usability for everyone that does not separate the needs of people with limited abilities.
www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/index.htm
Click below to Download [PDF]
Dot Dash Company Profile
Our congratulations to Domenic Nastasi who has been made a Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia in recognition of 20 years professional practice in the Design Industry.
Awards 2009
Sign Design Society (UK)
Public Wayfinding
Winner
Moreton Bay Cycleway
Commendation
Australian Museum