Featured Project: Architectural Window Graphics

C Spire, a privately-held telecommunications and technology company, tapped Digital Imaging Group (DIG), headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, to enhance its new Nashville, Tennessee, operations center with architectural graphics.

Because the center was a new build, DIG engaged early with the interior designers and the client, meeting objectives and expectations.

“C Spire wanted to create an environment that was aesthetically appealing and so much more than just a corporate space,” states Maddie Hornsby, project manager for DIG, “They have set the bar high with their brand and are passionate about it flowing through every aspect of their company. We understand their commitment and strive to make sure their standards are always met, regardless of the challenge.”

This installation spanned two primary substrate types: sheetrock and glass, each needing special handling based on the effect desired for the finished product.

For the walls and support columns, DIG used 3M IJ35C with 3M 3220 matte laminate. This material was printed using HP 570 latex printers. The total installed square footage of the wall wrap vinyl and overlaminate is 1,306 square feet.

For the window, DIG used translucent 3M IJ 8150 Clear View window film with 3M 8914 Scotchcal Optically Clear overlaminate. The graphics shop used its Canon Oce´ Arizona flatbed printer to accommodate the need for white ink. The window graphic panels were then through-cut on a Zünd G3 XL-3200. The total square footage of the clear vinyl is 392 square feet.

The entry treatment utilized Avery Etchmark film for a 27-square-foot frosted C Spire icon and a 5-square-foot application of Oracal 651 for a white cut logo. Each of these was kiss cut on a Zünd S3 L-1600, then weeded and pre-masked using DIG’s 3.5-meter Bobis application tables. These elements were then wet installed.

One of the application challenges centered around the translucent 8150 vinyl. This material depicts a map of the Nashville area, which needed to line up seamlessly, despite the glass joints and corner turns.

Because of the planning and testing that went into this project on the front end, all potential risks were identified and mitigated before printing and installation, leaving DIG and C Spire with a successful installation.

DIG offers graphics for fleet and transit, interior decor, events and exhibits, and promotion and branding.