Ceremonial Mace Stand
Redesign . Durability . Graduation
The Project
Graduation is the most important part of a student’s journey.
In 2025, I was asked to redesign Griffith University’s ceremonial Mace stand after the original was damaged. The stand plays a vital role in graduation ceremonies, needing to be durable, functional, and visually complementary to the Mace. I developed two design concepts with considerations for costs, intuitive use, material strength, structural stability, and aesthetic harmony. The new concepts fit into the existing carry case and respects tradition while improving portability, longevity, and a smooth flow of ceremony.
The Mace & old stand
The ceremonial mace is a traditional symbol of leadership and authority and is an important part of the graduation ceremony. The mace bearer enters before the Chancellor and is tasked with protecting them from attackers.
The Griffith University Mace is a symbol of dignity and leadership and designed in recognition of the university’s past, present and future.`
Stands issues
Broken in several places - made of brittle acrylic
Doesn’t blend in with table - acrylic reflects stage lights
Confusion - doesn’t clue mace bearer into how to arrange on stand
Campus
Inspired by the flowing curves of the Brisbane River, this stand links Griffith University’s six campuses to its founding campus in Brisbane’s south. CNC-cut and routed with 3D-printed connections, it blends modern manufacturing with historic symbolism.
User Experience
To be able to pack down into the existing Mace carry case, this stand needed to be broken into 4 pieces. Each component is made to fit only one way ensuring the stand is set up correctly each time. A carved silhouette of the Mace on the bases surface helps to indicate to the Mace Bearer the correct positioning and allows for a smooth flow of ceremony. The durable materials ensure longevity of the stand and prevents breaks in transit and on graduation days.
Black velvet table cloth - absorbs stage lights and provides higher quality presentation
Concept 1.
Black 3D printed ASA for holders - High impact strength and durability great for long term use
HDPE Plastic for base - durable, lightweight with a long lifespan.
Materials
For this concept, choosing durable materials like HDPE and ASA was crucial in ensuring this stand would last at least another 20 years. The base is made from HDPE plastic carved using the university CNC machine and holders 3D printed from black ASA. This stand is paired with a black velvet tablecloth to make it disappear into the background allowing the Mace to “float” and creating a highlighting effect.
Black velvet table cloth - absorbs stage lights and provides higher quality presentation
Concept 2.
Materials
This stand is made from Queensland Beech to match the same wood used in the original Griffith University Ceremonial Mace. The wood is carved using CNC machining to bring the material of Griffiths past together with the technologies of their future. Additionally, Beech is known for its versatility, density and excellent wear which will ensure the stands longevity.
Polished Queensland Beech - native to Australia, and grown along the Eastern coast this wood was used for the mace
Sea to City
Inspired by Griffith University’s unique coastal and city based campuses, this stand unites the two landscapes in one flow. The 90-degree form of a skyscraper rushes into the flow of a crashing wave creating a single cohesive piece. Its single-piece construction allows quick set-up, while cut-out scoops guide the Mace bearer for smooth, precise placement. This blends function, symbolism, and elegance for the graduation ceremony.
User Experience
Designed for an easy set up, Sea to City is only one piece. It’s form fits easily into the carry case and doesn’t require additional steps to assemble. On graduation day, this stand can simply be placed on the table ready for ceremony.
To be continued…
Campus has been chosen by the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor at Griffith University. The Griffith team and I will be making the stand in time for the 2025 December Graduations.