Metal totems for clear, lasting wayfinding in parks and public spaces

Clear navigation and wayfinding are critical in public spaces like parks, campuses, housing developments, town centres, and urban areas. Visitors and users need to orient themselves, move around safely and efficiently, and have an optimal experience. But how do you achieve this in an environmentally and cost-effective way? By using a metal totem, also known as a monolith.

They are an effective wayfinding solution that uses durable metal signs and markers to define paths, indicate locations, and provide directional information. These can be made of timber or metal, both offering distinct advantages. As a permanent installation, monoliths offer clear, reliable navigation for years to come. Suitable for indoor and outdoor environments, they stand up to weathering and wear while retaining their high visibility. From parks and gardens to institutional campuses and city centres, these monoliths help users navigate diverse public spaces.

Benefits of metal totems in public spaces

When you use totem signs in public spaces, you’re not just providing information and navigation. You’re creating an experience that feels purposeful and well-designed. So what are the benefits you gain from using metal monoliths or totems in public spaces? Here are a few:

Public outdoor spaces

For parks, gardens, and other outdoor spaces, monoliths offer exceptional durability, visibility, and weather resistance. Unlike other materials that might fade, rust, or degrade over time, an outdoor monolith sign can withstand rain, wind, and sun exposure, ensuring clear directions season after season. A well-placed totem signage design also creates a consistent aesthetic that blends with natural elements while providing reliable guidance for visitors, helping them enjoy their surroundings without getting lost.

For example, monolith signs placed at regular intervals along walking paths can help visitors navigate through a large park or botanical garden, directing them to attractions like playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic lookouts. The consistent use of metal monoliths as markers helps create a coherent and unifying design language that enhances the visitor experience.

Monoliths are also ideal for public spaces with strict accessibility requirements. Signage should be large enough to read from a distance, include tactile elements, and offer visual contrast for people with low vision. These signs can meet all of these criteria while maintaining a smart, contemporary look that fits any environment.

Housing developments

In residential areas, metal monoliths contribute to a sense of community by providing clear, cohesive navigation. These signs help residents and visitors navigate housing complexes and find common facilities with ease, fostering a neighbourhood feel and enhancing the community’s overall layout. With a carefully crafted totem sign mockup, developers can visualise a setup that adds value to the area and contributes to a welcoming atmosphere for all residents.

University/hospital campuses

Large campuses can be challenging to navigate, especially for visitors who are new to the area. Metal monoliths simplify wayfinding by marking entrances, guiding paths, and identifying key buildings. A monolith totem sign near major intersections helps visitors find their way without confusion, making the experience less stressful and more user-friendly, which is especially important in hospitals where patients and their families often seek swift, clear directions.

Another significant benefit for universities and hospitals is increased accessibility. Metal monolith signs can be paired with Braille and tactile markings, allowing wayfinding for those with visual impairments. This contributes to an inclusive campus environment that accommodates the needs of all students, staff, patients and visitors.

Towns

In town centres or busy urban areas, metal monoliths support wayfinding by offering clear, highly visible guidance amid heavy foot and vehicle traffic. A totem signage design can be tailored to suit the urban landscape, adding both function and form to the streetscape. Totems provide dependable navigation cues in the city’s busiest spots, helping visitors move around more efficiently and encouraging exploration of local shops, cultural sites, and public spaces.

Each of these installations is not just about marking a destination but about making navigation simple, intuitive, and visually integrated into the public space.

Enhancing wayfinding strategy and user experience

Wayfinding is the process of orienting oneself and navigating through an environment. Effective wayfinding begins with understanding how people will move through and interact with a space, and then designing an intuitive system of cues and markers to guide them. Metal totem poles and structures play an important role in wayfinding strategy by providing clear, consistent visual anchors that reinforce orientation and navigation. Some ways they enhance user experience through effective wayfinding include:

Enhancing wayfinding strategy and user experience

Wayfinding isn’t just about putting up signs—it’s about creating a cohesive and intuitive experience that helps people feel oriented and confident as they move through a space. Effective wayfinding design considers how people interact with the environment, anticipate their needs, and design cues that guide them naturally. Metal monoliths contribute to this strategy by serving as dependable and visible landmarks, reinforcing spatial awareness and making navigation smooth and straightforward.

Improve navigation and accessibility

Monoliths made of metal also improve navigation and accessibility by providing clear markers that are easy to locate and understand, ensuring that visitors can find their way with minimal frustration. In large parks, for instance, they guide users along trails and point to amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, or main attractions. In urban spaces, these totems help visitors locate key landmarks, making it easier for everyone—including those with limited mobility or vision impairments—to orient themselves and reach their destinations efficiently.

Add to the aesthetic appeal of public spaces

Beyond their practical role, metal monoliths contribute to the aesthetic appeal of public spaces with their sleek, durable designs that can be tailored to the environment. A well-designed outdoor sign can enhance the natural or architectural surroundings, giving spaces a modern, cohesive look while standing up to wear and tear. For example, in a coastal park, a totem could be designed to echo natural shapes and colours, complementing the landscape while remaining a functional part of the wayfinding system.

Support branding and local identity

Monoliths also offer opportunities to support branding and local identity, allowing councils or developers to integrate unique logos, colours, or themes that reflect the community or space’s character. A totem sign mockup for a historical town centre, for instance, could incorporate heritage elements that celebrate the town’s unique story, while university campus totems could feature logos and colours that create a unified sense of place. By aligning with local aesthetics, these totems become more than just signs—they represent the identity and pride of the area.

Through these strategies, monoliths enhance wayfinding by blending functionality, accessibility, and visual appeal, creating a lasting, positive experience for all who navigate the space.

Conclusion: Invest in totems today!

Metal monoliths offer a range of key advantages that make them an ideal choice for wayfinding in various environments. Their durability ensures they can withstand harsh weather conditions while maintaining visibility, making navigation effortless for users. The design flexibility of totems allows for seamless integration into diverse settings, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of parks, campuses, and urban spaces alike.

Never waste money on ineffective signage again. Explore Made by Landmark’s impressive selection of outdoor metal totem sign options or contact our team for a tailored solution that meets your specific needs. By investing in monoliths, you’re not only improving wayfinding but also adding lasting value to your public spaces, creating an environment that is welcoming and easy to navigate for everyone.