Northcross models new Direct Line town

A model town designed by Edinburgh consultancy Northcross for telephone insurer Direct Line is appearing at shopping centres and events during 1996.

Phoneham, a 62m2 model complete with smoke, sound effects and moving vehicles, made its debut at the end of 1995 at Gateshead’s Metro Centre. Judged a success by Direct Line, Phoneham’s 1996 schedule includes the Ideal Home Show at London’s Earls Court in March.

The model town project follows Northcross’ design of a life-sized phone/home for Direct Line in 1994.

As well as designing the model town, Northcross has created souvenir booklets and a jigsaw picturing an illustration of Phoneham. The model town even features Direct Line’s red telephone on wheels as radio-controlled vehicles to drive around.