Case Study

Printing a Facade-Lift for

The Delaware Contemporary

Business Challenge:

Printing Exterior Artwork to Preserve the Facade—on a Budget

100×60 foot vinyl art installations splashed across the side of the Delaware Contemporary (DC) draws in bypassers walking the Wilmington Riverfront. The impressive installation can be seen from a literal mile away!

While the impact was strong, the materials and installation method weren’t sustainable. This art gallery needed a new solution for their rotating art installation.

  • Battling Against Wind  While more cost-effective, non-perforated vinyl allows no air flow. Large scale installations like this can be damaged or ripped by the wind.
  • Installation Compromised Facade – The original installation system required installing each new mural directly into the building’s facade, creating new holes with each new artwork installation. DC needed to change the installation system before they ended up with a building that looked like Swiss cheese.

The old system required drilling new holes in the building for each new art mural installation.  Images by Brett Schoen.

Solution

An Elegant Framing System for Cost-Effective Swaps

Delaware Contemporary envisions a long future of beautiful exterior art. To support this vision, PCG recommended updating their framing system to make the installation process more sustainable and budget-friendly.

We’ve had success with similar permanent framing systems in other locations downtown. 

Frame Focuses Art, Limits Building Damage

The heavy duty frame is attached securely to the side of the building—and this installation only had to be done once. For future installations, PCG can swap out the murals without putting more holes in the building. The frame effectively  calls attention to the art work and adds the gravitas of an exterior gallery, elevating the art better than the banner could. 

Permeable Fabric Protects Art 

Upgrading to mesh fabric murals means the art can better withstand the elements. Perforated vinyl will last 12+ months, without sacrificing color quality. 

This sturdy permanent display allows us to easily swap in new art prints.
The Impact:

High Impact, Long Lasting Works of Art

DC’s investment in a permanent framing solution will deliver future cost savings as they continue to introduce new exterior art exhibits for years to come. 

The new framing system:

  • Makes it easier to swap out murals, thus lowering the cost of future installations.
  • Reduces maintenance costs by allowing new installations without adding holes to the facade 
  • Creates a sharper image by supporting a larger print with fewer seams 
  • Beautifully showcases art in a minimalist frame, adding another piece of art to the gallery. 

 

This minimalist frame beautifully displays the latest DC art print.

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