Granite at the Core
Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Interpretive Program, GA
Signature Design crafted interpretive messages and created unique visitor amenities by literally building with the site’s history using huge blocks of stone quarried from a nearby historic quarry.
Services
Interpretive Planning
Sign Design Program
Identity Program
Construction Design
Visitor Site Map
Design Approach
As one of 49 national heritage areas in the United States, the 40,000-acres Arabia Mountain Heritage Area is a place where history, nature, and culture intersect. Signature Design’s interpretive plan created an approach to sharing the heritage area’s significance with the public by guiding visitors to “gateways,” or key junctions where hikers, walkers, and other visitors can escape from the sun, use the restroom, and learn about the site’s significance through inviting exhibits.
One of the most unique aspects of the project was the use of local materials, or huge blocks of stone, to construct visitor amenities. Signature Design sought to tell the story of the mountain and its quarry by transforming the very materials that brought people to the area into custom installations such as welcome signs, gateways, interpretive exhibits, trailhead shelters, and directional signs.
A nearby historic quarry donated granite to the project, and local people helped to move the huge blocks of stone into place. This community engagement engendered deep pride in the project. Local people not only appreciate the ways the project gave new life to local materials, but also value its contribution to the area’s economic development.
