Sponsored Meter Cover
LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA, CANADA
070510 | 1003
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project Type:
3D Prototyping & ManufacturingClient:
Day Media Inc.Budget (CAD$):
WithheldSize / Program:
Mass ProductionDesign:
010110 | Architecture + UrbanismServices:
3D Modelling / Prototyping ServicesFabricator:
CNC + Injection Molding (China)Project Date / Status:
2010
Day Media Inc. approached 010110 through a mutual aquaintance to develop the first three-dimensional prototype for a sponsored parking meter cover to encourage the downtown economy by means of offsetting street parking fees through paid advertising. Day Media Inc. had been approached by advertising agencies to franchise Day Media's concept in municipalities all over North America.
After developing a cost-effective 3D model suitable for creating the first Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) prototypes, the first injection molded plastic units were created as living examples of the product concept.
Before proceeding with mass production the project reached a municipal roadblock as the business concept relies completely on municipal cooperation and sympathetic bylaws in order to be implemented, placing a reasonable amount of bureaucracy in the way. At the insistence of the City of Lethbridge, Day Media Inc. bought a business license and canvassed owners of downtown businesses so the City would formally consider their proposal. With almost 90% approval from downtown business owners, Day Media Inc. presented these results, however, City council rejected the premise of sponsored parking in favor of simply raising parking meter fees citing a municipal strategy to encourage bus usage downtown by making it more expensive to park. The city was also unwilling to amend bylaws that open the door to other forms of advertising and did not want to train enforcement officers for another system with its own rules of enforcement.
Day Media Inc. is actively considering other ways to make the concept work for private parking entities.
After developing a cost-effective 3D model suitable for creating the first Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) prototypes, the first injection molded plastic units were created as living examples of the product concept.
Before proceeding with mass production the project reached a municipal roadblock as the business concept relies completely on municipal cooperation and sympathetic bylaws in order to be implemented, placing a reasonable amount of bureaucracy in the way. At the insistence of the City of Lethbridge, Day Media Inc. bought a business license and canvassed owners of downtown businesses so the City would formally consider their proposal. With almost 90% approval from downtown business owners, Day Media Inc. presented these results, however, City council rejected the premise of sponsored parking in favor of simply raising parking meter fees citing a municipal strategy to encourage bus usage downtown by making it more expensive to park. The city was also unwilling to amend bylaws that open the door to other forms of advertising and did not want to train enforcement officers for another system with its own rules of enforcement.
Day Media Inc. is actively considering other ways to make the concept work for private parking entities.
PROJECT LEAD
