Markshall Estate
2024
Tourism
2024
Tourism
We designed a brand new map to help the public explore and discover the unique landscape of Markshall Estate.
A new map for a new generation
A lot had changed for Markshall Estate since its previous map was created. The landscape had undergone significant improvements over the years, offering a diverse range of flora and fauna, whilst continuing their passion for sustainable conservation.
One of the most compelling and important features of the Estate is its arboricultural diversity. Different plants, trees and shrubbery from across the globe, provide a unique visitor experience. From North America to Asia, Europe to Africa—people can immerse themselves in natural environments rarely available to the general public.
Our task was to create a map which reflected this unique landscape and allowed for easy-to-use way-finding and exploration.
Future-proofing an ever-changing landscape
Previously, generations of map designs before were hand-drawn, or painted and meticulously illustrated, but Markshall required something more flexible for the long-term. Scalability was also an important factor to consider, to ensure the quality of the map wasn’t compromised when scaled-up for way-finding signs.
Using vector graphics allowed for scalability without loss of quality. This made it easier to make any refinements when working closely with Markshall.
Challenges using predefined colours
One of the key challenges for us, was to cater for predefined colours for each zone, which were used on pre-existing plaques to identify plants and trees.
Due to the range of colours and their hues, it was impossible for us to use them as blocks of colour. Therefore, it was important for us to find a way to easily identify and highlight zones using these colours, without compromising visibility or legibility.
Showing a small version of a coloured map in the key, helped to visualise the zone areas. Coupled with colour coding POIs (points of interest) offered a more understated approach than our initial ideas, but flexibility is key to working on an evolving landscape, and we were delighted with the end result.
Wayfinding points of interest across 2,200 acres
As well as creating custom icons for the various types of trees, we also made some bespoke POI (point of interest) icons, based on an established style, and suggesting either a theme, object or animal related to a specific environment.
The final map is printed on the back of a trifold leaflet, allowing visitors to easily take them around the estate.
Once the map was finalised, we created a set of signs, catering to each zone. The scalability of the graphics allowed us to zoom into areas, to help show the visitor their place on the land.
Check out the map in all its glory…
Couldn’t recommend This is Fever enough. Dan, Mark and the whole team completely understood our vision and the communication was excellent. A large improvement in our visitor’s journey
