Critical Heritage Trail- Decolonising Kelvingrove Park with the University of Glasgow

Art of Birdie collaborated with Dr. Rosie Spooner from the University of Glasgow's Decolonising Arts Lab to design a Critical Heritage Trail through Kelvingrove Park. This project aimed to reinterpret the park's history through a decolonial lens, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting overlooked stories.

The Challenge
Our task was to create a visual design system that could effectively communicate complex historical narratives in an accessible, engaging manner within a public space. We needed to balance educational content with aesthetic appeal, ensuring the trail was both informative and visually captivating for a diverse audience.

Our Approach
We developed a multi-layered design approach:

Created a series of illustrated panels for key stops along the trail, each highlighting a specific aspect of the park's colonial history.

Developed a cohesive visual language that tied together physical and digital elements, using a colour palette and iconography inspired by both the park's natural elements and Glasgow's industrial history.