Floor graphics turn the ground into something to read and play on. To work well, they have to suit the surface, follow how people actually move, and stay safe and clear for as long as they are down.
For The Box Plymouth we laid decals cut from paintings in the museum’s collection across a courtyard. Here is what we learned.
study how people move
Before drawing anything, watch the space. Where do people walk, and where do they linger? We began the Box design with the desired paths through the courtyard, then made the trails follow them.
work with the surface
Paving, tile grids and joints all affect how a graphic is laid out and applied. Designing to the existing grid made the Box layout easier to install and kept the work tidy.
choose materials for grip and durability
Anything people walk on has to be safe in the wet and tough enough for footfall. Ask suppliers about slip resistance, weather and how long the product lasts, and plan how it will be removed when the time comes.
design at ground level
Floor art is seen from above, at an angle, and from a distance. Use strong shapes and clear colour so the design reads on a grey day and in bright sun. Simple forms, like rings and dots, are easy for people to understand and play with.
make it a game
When shapes invite stepping, hopping and following, a floor becomes a playground. The Box trails spell play, draw, move and explore, so the work itself tells people what to do.
“Having worked with Ace previously, I knew his creativity and ability to respond to a brief quickly and professionally would be the perfect fit for what we were looking for from this project. Ace met the brief with openness, artistry and a can-do attitude. He was a joy to work with and we were thrilled with the outcome. A highly recommended creative and collaborator.”
floor graphics in plymouth
We are a creative studio in Plymouth designing floor graphics and public art across the South West. To plan yours, send us your project details and we’ll get back to you within a few days.