Bath River Line identity draws on historic flood markings
Fieldwork Facility, led by founder Robin Howie, designed the brand identity and wayfinding for Bath River Line, a ten-kilometer riverside trail through Bath, UK. The design draws inspiration from historic flood markings carved into buildings since the 1800s. The trail interprets three themes: 'Riparian Nature,' 'Hidden History,' and 'Water! Water!' The first phase is complete, aiming to boost biodiversity and active travel. Challenges included working within Bath's UNESCO World Heritage Site constraints; signage uses blackened steel, a new material for the city's public realm. The typeface Grosa by Feliciano Type was chosen for its circular forms echoing Georgian architecture. The identity celebrates flood heritage, referencing structures like Pulteney Weir, originally a flood defense. Artist Marian Hill created collages for riparian panels using found materials.
Key facts
- Bath River Line is a 10 km riverside trail through historic Bath, UK.
- Historic flood markings on buildings date from the 1800s.
- Brand identity and signage designed by Fieldwork Facility, founded by Robin Howie.
- Interpretation covers three themes: 'Riparian Nature,' 'Hidden History,' 'Water! Water!'
- First phase of works completed to enhance biodiversity and active travel.
- Bath city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Signage uses blackened steel, new to Bath's public realm.
- Typeface Grosa by Feliciano Type chosen for circular letterforms.
- Pulteney Weir, a bridge on the trail, was originally a flood defense.
- Artist Marian Hill created collages for riparian nature panels.
Entities
Artists
- Marian Hill
Institutions
- Fieldwork Facility
- Feliciano Type
- UNESCO
Locations
- Bath
- United Kingdom
- River Avon
- Pulteney Weir
- Bath Quays
- Royal Crescent
- the Circus