Given some of the heavily-branded environments that Leach has the honour of working within – including high-profile retail stores, striking commercial interiors and prestigious heritage sites – our role in the construction sector often gets overlooked.
But more than ever before we’re talking about visually-impactful displays for property redevelopments, new-build housing estates, city centre complexes and even redundant demolition sites.
Because gone are the days of plain rusty hoarding or bare scaffolding. Time and again, the construction supply chain is coming to us interested in maximising the branding opportunity for their sites, to capture the attention of both visitors and passers-by.
Here, client services director Suzie Pitcher shares 7 of the simplest yet cleverest uses of large-format graphics in the world of construction…
1. Building wraps are one of my favourite uses of graphics of unbelievable proportions, because they achieve an unparalleled wow factor that – due to their size – can often be seen from hundreds of yards away. They also usually help to disguise a structure whilst it is undergoing a transformation, which means a potential eyesore is covered for the duration of the project, at the same time as creating a talking point for all the right reasons. But sometimes they can have such a dramatic effect that they are chosen as permanent building installations.
2. Hoarding wraps have a similar purpose but are typically seen at ground level by passing traffic/pedestrians. Whilst such graphics can sometimes be completely unrelated to the project that is unfolding behind closed doors, they ordinarily help to tell the story and create a sense of intrigue as to what is due to unfold. They often house useful information too, such as the site parties’ contact details, wayfinding instructions should site access or navigation help be required, and even safety messaging to help deter trespassers from entering.
3. Fence banners deliver much of the same benefits, but are admittedly more commonly used by contractors keen to demonstrate that they’re working on the site. Once again, bold logos, contact details and any legally-required safety information is usually found on such graphics, and the banner itself tends to be lighter-weight. One of the more traditionally recognised ways to brand a construction site, fence banners are nevertheless still an important communication tool.
4. Mesh banners – like the fence banners above – are lightweight, easy-to-affix large format graphics commonly used on construction site and temporary event perimeters. Again, they deliver branding, information and wayfinding benefits.
5. Scaffold wraps – much like building graphics – cover a vast area and can therefore be seen with ease, from afar. There is subsequently a real opportunity to achieve a bold impact while work takes place behind the scenes.
6. Totems & wayfinding are actually more common on soon-to-be-completed developments, or at least sites set to welcome a number of visitors as projects near their end dates. Popular on finished complexes too, these external illuminated or non-illuminated signs offer a clear message that confirms someone has arrived at the right place. The displays themselves may just feature site-specific branding and nothing else, or they could also include site information such as speed restrictions, arrival instructions, resident details or more informal greetings.
7. Marketing suites are one of the final areas of a construction site that could – if not should – be cleverly branded. Away from the works that may be ongoing elsewhere, these buildings – however large or small – should offer a place of calm that allows investors, prospective buyers and project partners – to discuss ‘what’s next’. As such conversations often involve individuals parting with money or otherwise investing in the future of the site, first impressions really count. Both external and internal graphics should therefore be carefully considered so that they convey the brand in the best possible light.
Of course, in truth, the list goes on and on, as often the only limit to what’s possible, is a client’s imagination. But armed with some of the above ideas, organisations in the construction sector are hopefully better placed to think how much harder their on-site signage could work for them.
Inspired by the above, it is then important to think about how these displays should look of course, and this is where sector-specific knowledge helps to ensure product durability, seamless graphics with no joins or breaks, environmental performance, and hassle-free installation. So if you’re reading this and have any such questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
DID YOU KNOW…that Leach has worked hard to ensure all products throughout our range – not just for construction clients – have strong eco credentials? Catch up on our recent blog to learn more or visit our new Eco Materials product page…
