Beautifully Resilient Images

Printed wall protection provides walls with additional purpose.

The scientific principle that matter moves from order to disorder applies, unfortunately, to buildings. What once was sparkling and new can slide into disrepair and become unsightly. Architects and design professionals can slow the hands of time–and increase the longevity and sustainability of an interior–by thinking long-term and specifying products that not only preserve their design but also serve building owners in preserving a structure long after the ribbon is cut. This can mean, in high-use areas, selecting products that protect the planned interior from accruing damage in the first place. Products that are durable necessarily enhance the longevity, and sustainability, of the entire environment. With sustainability’s rise to the forefront in architecture and construction, products and systems continue to innovate to provide the architect, the design professional, and the client opportunities to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The ability to be sustainable continues to expand.

Door and wall protection products serve as preventative “medicine” to keep facilities looking good, long after the ribbon cutting. A list of these products can be found in CSI MasterFormat Division 10 26 00–Wall and Door Protection:

• Corner Guards
• Bumper Guards/Wall Guards
• Bumper Rails
• Protective Corridor Handrails
• Protective Wall Covering – rigid polymer sheet, solid surface wall cladding, flexible protective wall covering
• Door and Frame Protection – kickplates, door frame guards

When beginning a new construction or renovation project, predictive planning provides the design team with an edge. To prevent damage, the team specifically identifies areas of concern, potential causes, and levels of abuse, and then matches the targeted wall protection based on its size, impact absorption, need for weight bearing, as well as the aesthetic desired. The colors, material, textures, and impact-resistance levels of these products offer designers and facility staff limitless options to enhance the aesthetics of a facility’s interior, while also delivering much-needed protection.

Targeted Wall Protection is a set of specific products designed to absorb impact and protect the underlying wall. These products cover only part of the wall but function to provide a higher level of impact resistance. Protective wall coverings are engineered with rigid sheet wall protection to endure the toughest commercial damage. The targeted wall protection needed is based on its size, impact absorption, weight-bearing, and desired aesthetic. Examples include corner guards and wall guards. Wall Guards perform as their name implies: these products guard the wall. Sometimes wall guards are referred to as Crash Rails. The two most common forms are multi-component systems and single-material systems. Wall guards are designed to take impact dead on, into the face of the guard. Cover materials include all extruded plastics. They offer long service life with durable covers and end caps, which can be replaced.

Considerations When Specifying Rigid Sheet Wall Protection

Placement, material type, and finishes are critical elements of wall protection selection.

• Selecting the right material. What level of impact resistance is needed? What type of material makes up the wall? Does the material need to be non-porous, or have the ability to endure frequent, stringent cleaning protocols without fading, warping, or staining?
• Sheets versus rolls. Sheets allow for higher levels of impact resistance. Rolls can accommodate half-wall or wainscot applications and provide a significant reduction in seams, which gives a smoother, less interrupted finish.
• Finishing touches. When deciding between a trim versus caulk finish, trim provides a more highly finished look to the installation but is more expensive to furnish and install. Caulks finish the seam only.
• Adding imagery, woodgrain, colors, or patterns to the protective elements.
• Ensuring proper installation. Smooth and proper adhesive installation is critical. As with all wall coverings, proper surface preparation and adhesive are critical to prevent mold behind wall cladding.

By specifying the right materials, and choosing to add imagery, occupants and staff can enjoy both a striking design and significant savings by stopping damage before it happens. The colors, material, textures, and impact-resistance levels of printed wall protection offer designers and facility staff limitless options to enhance the aesthetics of a facility’s interior. Thanks to innovations in digital printing technology, designers no longer have to compromise their visions by using drab institutional products in high-traffic areas, nor do they have to sacrifice durability for aesthetics. Using PETG protection guarantees the longevity of the image even under hard wear and clear sheet back-printing maintains graphic vibrancy without scratches.

“Code-driven requirements to provide cleanable wall surfaces in many occupancies often force architects to use FRP panels, which, despite being easy to clean, are fairly unattractive and boring,” says Kyle Matthews, AIA NCARB, Principal, JUST Architecture & Design, Ltd. “The ability to take a wall which would otherwise be functional and make it aesthetic offers new opportunities.”

The investment in high-quality wall protection products also makes it much easier to maintain a clean, well-kept facility appearance that makes a positive impression on both clients and employees. Manufacturers using PETG and other durable surfaces allow antibacterial all-purpose cleaners to be used and some products accept the use of bleach, degreaser, and other cleaners to guarantee sterile surfaces.

Art for the Occupants’ Sake

Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors.¹⁵ That means the average person employs a minimal 10 percent, or less, of their time engaged with natural spaces. Yet, individuals say that interconnection with the natural environment is one of their most desired aspirations. For this reason, interior design is playing a larger-than-ever role in what people see and experience.

Adding imagery throughout the built environment brings continuity to both the building and the occupant experience. With the right materials, design professionals can craft a striking design and ensure sustainability and significant savings by stopping damage before it happens. Furthermore, artworks can provide a cohesive narrative and health benefits to occupants when they are placed in harmonious relation to one another.

Evidence-Based Design indicates the importance of using interior spaces to foster the missing link to nature. Natural forms remain an important visual asset. Humans have an innate affinity for the life-supporting aspects of the natural world. This attraction to nature is referred to as biophilia, a term literally meaning "love of nature". Data from studies within healthcare spaces demonstrates that biophilia helps occupant mood, assists in healthcare settings for both patient and staff and can decrease time spent in recovery for patients. “Incorporating art and artisanal pieces into healthcare environments humanizes the experience, creates a sense of calm, and presents an opportunity to welcome others into these spaces,” said Cheryl S. Durst, executive vice president and CEO of IIDA.¹⁶ Evidence increasingly shows that biophilic design boosts mental health, healing, and creativity in any occupied space.

Understanding this inherent attraction to the natural world has spurred innovation in the architectural community. Designers are capturing opportunities to reconnect occupants with nature by incorporating biophilic elements in their designs, particularly where views to the outside are unavailable or confined. Working through digital imagery or prints on an architectural product, art that features biophilia can play an impactful role.

Although wall protection panels may seem like just another new expense, they can eliminate hidden maintenance costs while offering the additional opportunity of hosting art to improve the overall experience of occupants. Additionally, manufacturers offer printed wall protection that is environmentally friendly, may contribute to LEED credits, can satisfy Class A Fire Rating, and can earn UL GREENGUARD certification.

SPRINGFIELD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

Photo courtesy of Inpro

Using digital printing technology, art made by the children and teachers was applied to printed wall protection, creating both completely custom and personal imagery.

Architecture Firm: Farnsworth Group, Springfield, IIllinois
Contractor: O'Shea Builders, Springfield, Illinois Interior Designer: Ashley Schwerman, Farnsworth Group, Springfield, Illinois
Artists: Children and Teachers of Memorial Child Care

Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, is committed not only to providing top-tier healthcare but also to supporting the well-being of the families of its staff. To this end, printed wall protection and architectural products have been installed in the childcare facility dedicated to the hospital's colleagues. This initiative creates a welcoming and child-friendly environment for the children in their care.

Two of the designs featured on the printed wall protection were inspired by children's artwork and were transformed into graphic forms by the interior design team at Farnsworth. These innovative solutions provide essential protection while also serving as engaging and uplifting elements within the childcare space. By focusing on both functionality and aesthetics, Springfield Memorial Hospital and its partners have successfully brought their vision for a nurturing environment to life.