Zephyr: Redefining Urban Spaces with Functional Art

Barrier Group's Award-Winning Bike Storage Bollard: A Fusion of Design and Utility

The Zephyr is not just a bike storage bollard; it's a sculptural element that enhances the urban landscape. As cities become more densely populated, the importance of high-quality street furniture that promotes outdoor recreation and social interaction is increasing. The Zephyr, with its sophisticated design, is a refreshing alternative to the standard bike parking facility, often dismissed as 'just a bent piece of pipe'.

What sets the Zephyr apart is its multifunctionality. It serves as a stunning short or long-term bicycle storage solution and, in a cutting-edge architectural setting, it transforms into a sculptured bollard. It's a gathering point, a place to pause, chat, and enjoy time with friends. Its one-piece casting can be 100% recycled and remelted at its end of life, making it a sustainable choice for urban spaces.

The design team drew inspiration from their seaside city surroundings to create the Zephyr. The challenge was to design a complex one-piece casting using technologies and expertise available locally in Australia. The result is a bike rack that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.

The Zephyr is made from cast AA601 aluminium and weighs 18kgs. Its dimensions are 224mm x 845mm x 394mm, and it can be finished with a vandal, chip, and weather-resistant thermoplastic powder coating or polished aluminium. It can be permanently fixed in-ground or surface-mounted, and a removable model is available if vehicle access is required. The Zephyr complies with AS2890.3-1993 for class 3 bicycle security, ensuring bikes can be locked in a stable, upright position.

The Zephyr's design and development process, which took place in Geelong, Australia, from April 2012 to April 2014, was a journey of research, creativity, and technical innovation. The team had to find a coating that was abrasion and chip-resistant to maximize the product's functionality and low maintenance. The final thermoplastic powder coating offers extensive protection against aggressive treatment, weather, and vandalism.

In recognition of its innovative design, the Zephyr was awarded Platinum in A' Street and City Furniture Design Award in 2015. This prestigious award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that contribute to societal wellbeing and make the world a better place. The Zephyr, with its blend of functionality and aesthetics, truly embodies these values.