Place identity
A visual language for the destination, from naming support to colours, materials and typography.
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Placemaking & place identity
Identity, landmarks and wayfinding that give a development a character people remember, and a reason for tenants, residents and visitors to choose it.
Placemaking gives a development a sense of identity and community that goes beyond its name. It finds the story of a place and turns it into things people can see, touch and remember: entrance features, landmarks, public-realm graphics and a wayfinding system that feels part of the place.
We work with developers and operators of mixed-use, residential, commercial and leisure destinations, applying one concept across materials, typography, public spaces and art, then building the features in our own workshops.
Why choose Thrive for placemaking & identity
Landmark features
Entrance monuments, sculptural letters and photo-point features in metal, GRP and stone.
District wayfinding
Masterplans for pedestrians and drivers across streets, plazas and car parks.
Sales & launch
Hoardings, show-area branding and launch features that sell the place before it opens.
Projects we support
- Mixed-use districts
- Residential communities
- Waterfront and leisure destinations
- Business parks
- Retail and dining destinations
- Hotel and resort grounds
Our process
How a project runs
One team from the first site visit to the last bolt, so nothing gets lost between designer, printer and installer.
Free site survey
Free in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We measure the site, check sightlines, power points and structure, and photograph it for the mock-up.
Design & visual
Artwork, shop drawings and a photo-realistic visual of the sign or print on your actual building.
Approvals
We prepare drawings for landlord, mall and municipality approval and follow them through.
Production
Cutting, bending, welding, printing and LED wiring in our own production unit in Mussafah.
Installation
Certified installers, cranes and access equipment, scheduled around your opening hours.
Aftercare
Warranty, lighting checks and preventive maintenance so the sign looks new for years.
Recent work
All projectsFrom our wayfinding & sign design projects
Questions about placemaking & identity
What is placemaking?
Placemaking is the design of a place's identity and experience, so it feels distinctive and welcoming and people want to spend time there.
Can you build the landmark features you design?
Yes. Our metal, joinery and GRP teams fabricate entrance monuments, sculptural letters and feature elements in-house.
Related services
Have a site, a sign or a campaign in mind?
Send us the location and a photo. We will come back with ideas, a visual and an itemised quote.