City of Unley, South Australia
All roads lead to Rome. Just as Rome is the heart of Italy, Adelaide is the heart of South Australia, and one such road passes through the City of Unley en route to Adelaide; Goodwood Road. And like the Ancient Roman cities, Goodwood Road is home to breathtaking murals, depicting towering bookcases laden with books, majestic trees from roots to shoots, steaming cups and intricate cutlery that represent the heart and soul of the City of Unley.
Goodwood is known for its strong sense of community, and the
recent establishment of an art trail on Goodwood Road reflects the spirit of
the area and creates a strong sense of identity and public pride.
This project, completed in October 2017, was a collaboration
between MPS Paving Systems Australia, Creative Pavements, Artist Ellen Schlobom
and the City of Unley. The main aim of the project was to create a dynamic,
vibrant and welcoming feel to Goodwood Road.
Ellen Schlobohm, defined the core of Goodwood by
incorporating the streetscape and nearby buildings into her design of each
intricate mural. The designs build on the community, by responding to how
people use the street and where they choose to spend their leisure hours. Capri
Theatre is home to its own unique “Walk of Fame” with intricate golden stars
imprinted in the asphalt on Gilbert Street. Opposite Goodwood Primary, Rosa
street is home to soaring tree that is a symbol of growth and longevity.
Ellen displays a love of local heritage through her work,
and she has transformed Goodwood Road into a vibrant and animated space the welcomes
both locals and visitors of all ages to behold each individual and intricate
design.
MPS Paving Systems Australia supplied a unique product known as DuraTherm, which is responsible for the vibrant and rich colours that make the designs come to life and enhance the beauty of the neighbourhood. DuraTherm is a specially designed preformed thermoplastic material that is inlaid into imprinted asphalt using StreetHeat asphalt reheating technology. DuraTherm is designed specifically for high-traffic crosswalks and provides optimum wear in adverse conditions.
Creative Pavements spent many hours, installing the DuraTherm onto the following streets off Goodwood Road; Rosa Street, Victoria Street, Florence Street, Lily Street, Gilbert Street and Surrey Street. Each mural stiches Goodwood Road together and reclaims places for the people by connecting it as a more open and legible pedestrian street.
These colourful additions to Goodwood Road greatly improve the presentation and amenity of the village, and create an environment that is welcoming and vibrant. The discovery of each artwork is an intimate experience for all who engage with the murals.