Graphic Alliance delivers inspirational graphics to Q3 Academy
Graphic Alliance has completed a series of very large and challenging graphics for the new Q3 Academy in Great Barr, Birmingham. Freelance project manager Stewart Hills sourced the company after searching the Web for a print provider that had the creativity and flexibility to provide graphics, including an 8m x 2.8m print overlooking a large dining area, which would act as an inspiration to the students of the Academy.
A site survey identified that the Crystal Graphic Tensioning system could be used for most of the graphics. Six of the prints were fixed using the KT+ profile from the Crystal tensioning system range - an aluminium extrusion that allows a flexible graphic, in this case PVC, to be discretely tensioned to any size and gives the appearance of a large, frameless stretched canvas.
The conference room required a slightly softer treatment so a stretched synthetic canvas print was hung. But the real challenge was the graphic for the students’ reflection room - a circular space that required an image to be stretched around two-thirds of the wall and cover from the ceiling down to a fixed bench seat that runs the entire length of the graphic. After considering options including wallpaper and laminated self-adhesive vinyl, and testing on other materials, Graphic Alliance chose to supply the graphic as a one-piece polycanvas with an anti-graffiti lacquer. This 11.5 x 2m panel was fixed using a special adhesive onto a pre-primed wall.
Other graphics covered the areas around the restaurant, meetings rooms and walkways, culminating in an impressive 5m x 5m montage of all students printed onto PVC along with a printed Dibond board bearing the Q3 Academy Mission Statement positioned below it. The final series of three hanging graphics covered an atrium area, spanning roof to ground level visible from all three floors comprised portrait images each measuring 7m x 3m.
Hills said: “Q3 is delighted with the stunning results achieved by the Graphic Alliance team. From initial discussions through to survey and installation, their service and dedication in achieving such a high quality, precision outcome has been first class – and the end result has exceeded our expectations.