Bold graphics make walls talk in Simon

“Filling white space with fresh and trendy graphics can add excitement to a space,” says architect Adriana Perrone, “but most companies and campus architects want their budgeted dollars to do more than pay for fancy wall paper.” Perrone of Mackey Mitchell Architects, knows what she’s talking about. She designed the colorful murals on the walls in Simon Hall’s lower level.

Major renovations have transformed Simon Hall over the past two summers with new classrooms, lounges, the Undergrad Programs Office and more. The new hallways in the lower level opened up a once dark maze of offices into a bright, welcoming space. But the makeover wasn’t complete until Perrone’s graphic designs hit the walls.

"Thoughtful graphics can shape space and add visual depth while sparking the interest of the passersby and serving as a conversation starter." -Adriana Perrone

“Thoughtful graphics can shape space and add visual depth while sparking the interest of the passersby and serving as a conversation starter.” -Adriana Perrone

“Adriana has amazing graphic design abilities and created those graphics digitally from Wash U campus stock images we were provided through Public Affairs,” says Marcus Adrian, Principal at the Mackey Mitchell firm. “The whole composition was printed on 3M vinyl wall covering material by local graphics and signage company Engraphix, and installed by them in mid-April of this year.  The install is only slightly more sophisticated than hanging wallpaper, though the final product is considerably more durable.”

In a blog post titled, “Walls Can Talk: 3 Ways To Get More Out Of Your Hallways” Perrone writes about the Simon Hall project:

“It is imperative to remember that environmental graphics aren’t just for decoration.  Decoration is fine…When designs incorporate learning, emotion, storytelling, or community, an environmental graphics budget can suddenly add intellectual depth and purpose to a space that was once just an empty hallway.”

Tell us what the walls to say to you!

 

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