Don Luis: A Revolutionary Traffic Signal

Introducing a Sociocultural Approach to Pedestrian Safety

Every day, pedestrians face the risk of accidents while crossing the streets. To address this issue, the CasBeVilla Team embarked on a mission to create a solution that goes beyond traditional interventions. Inspired by the exemplary behavior observed on the Medellin Metro, they developed Don Luis, a unique traffic signal that aims to transfer the Metro's culture of respect and safety to the streets.

Don Luis stands out from other traffic signals due to its sociocultural analysis-based development, rather than relying solely on aesthetic guidelines. It is strategically placed at points of high vulnerability, binding to a yellow two-dimensional line painted on the sidewalk. This innovative design ensures that pedestrians cross the street only at the designated zebra crossings, reducing the risk of accidents.

Producing Don Luis involves a meticulous process. The character is created through iron casting, starting with a negative mold made of wood. This mold is then pressed into a sand mold, allowing the character to take shape. After casting, the burrs are polished, and the character is electrostatically painted with traffic paint. The result is a durable and visually striking traffic signal.

Don Luis boasts impressive technical specifications. With dimensions of 1050 mm x 100 mm x 1300 mm, it can withstand mechanical tests, even when subjected to an oversized 100kg force. The factor of safety for this solid iron structure is an outstanding 29.88. Weighing 21.5 kgs, Don Luis occupies a volume of 21,572 cms3.

Functionally, Don Luis interacts with pedestrians through its semantic characteristics. Its shape and color convey four meanings associated with the recognized imagery of the Medellin Metro culture: safety, respect, approval, and recognition. By reaffirming these concepts, Don Luis aims to ensure the effectiveness of the character and promote a safer pedestrian experience.

The Don Luis project began in July 2011 and was completed in December 2014 in Medellin. Extensive field research, including direct observation, analysis of government documents, and interviews with pedestrians, informed the design process. The team identified the yellow Metro line as a respected signal capable of influencing pedestrian behavior positively.

The creation of Don Luis was not without its challenges. The team faced the task of seamlessly transitioning between the two-dimensional yellow traffic paint line and the three-dimensional character. This transition required incorporating universal design principles, ensuring simplicity, intuitiveness, and flexibility of use while avoiding visual pollution. Additionally, strict regulations outlined in the manual of public space had to be adhered to.

Don Luis has received widespread recognition for its innovative approach to pedestrian safety. In 2014, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Social Design category. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements. Don Luis has successfully integrated industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better and safer world.