The Shape of Things to Come is inspired by the gracious triangular facade of the 1923 Howarth building. This and other characterful buildings along West Crown Street provide a cultural substance and richness of expression and proportion rarely found in more recent engineered streetscapes.

The four triangular pillars have been designed as wayfinders – each pointing to significant destinations leading from West Crown Street – the station, Crown Street Mall and the beach. They were originally designed and delivered to satisfy as a temporary treatment - a place-holder, with plans for a streetscape upgrade to later unfurl.
When local businesses were asked what they would like to see in a future streetscape upgrade they called for more colour, seating and a contemporary touch. The wayfinders respond to this call, and have since been made more permanent with the addition of lighting powered from the grid.

As a future upgrade of West Crown Street is still a possibility, this public art installation might still be considered as temporary. It may fit within the context of a future streetscape renewal – or it may not. But in the meantime, it can help serve as a focal point to consider... the shape of things to come.