THE CHALLENGE:
A local University asked us to design a Track and Field record display to be installed in their newly constructed athletic center. The wall where it would be located is over 30' in length; to look proportional the display would need to be about 20' wide. Since records are made to be broken, we needed a system that allows seamless updates and changes. Well designed directories utilize some type of interlocking slat system that provides a seamless way to make updates.

The reason for having these displays made was to commemorate the individual athletic events and further promote and display the University’s brand.

We knew the design needed to incorporate a dynamic presentation of the University logo and the record information needed some dynamic visual background to capture some attention.

THE PROCESS:
A key consideration in developing the fabrication was the 20' length. After reviewing a few layout ideas it became apparent that we could not break it into two logical 10' lengths without a visible seam. Most common panel materials are made in 8'-10' lengths; we found the solution in a common material used for large, outdoor electric sign faces. The issue with this material is that it's highly flexible and we needed to ensure the end result was a completely flat and stable surface.

While part of the team went to work on fabricating the support system, our designers worked through the remaining details for the informational slats and developed some creative ideas to make the school logo into a dimensional masterpiece. We decided that magnetic strips would be used to hold the slats in place. We developed some edge pieces to discourage someone from trying to 'play' with the individual slats.

The entire background panel was laminated with a digital print where we had taken some creative liberties with the school logo to create a unique but recognizable image.

Utilizing our laser engraver to cut and engrave the name slats and the dimensional logo ensured everything would fit together perfectly. We pre-assembled the various sections and spent several hours going through the installation steps. Working with a large display panel like this takes careful planning – everything needed to fit perfectly once we were at the job site. A primary goal for the installation process is to have an absolute minimum of 'field' changes or fixes.

Our planning process paid off; the installation went together with a few minor events and the display fit perfectly flat and stable as we had planned.

THE RESULT:
The Athletic Director and his coaches were very excited and pleased with this professionally designed display. It maintains the high quality look that one expects to see at a University and it set the tone for future displays. A “Football Hall Of Fame” display was made next and there are plans for more record displays to be completed as funds from their booster associations become available.

As we were installing the Track and Field display we knew it was making an impression as nearly all the student athletes stopped to look at and discuss the various records. Maybe some of them will soon endeavor to have his or her name on the board next season