Case Study: Hospital Corridor (Healthcare)

Snapshot

• Client: Regional Medical Center (de-identified)
• Location: Main inpatient corridor, 78 ft x 9 ft
• Surface: Painted gypsum board, eggshell finish
• Objective: Reduce visual stress, add wayfinding cues, and meet hygiene/cleaning protocols—without disrupting care
• Install Window: 6 hours (10:00 p.m.–4:00 a.m.)
• Result: Seamless, cleanable graphic; no corridor closure during service hours; simple repaint path for future refreshes

Context

The hospital’s busiest corridor connects elevators, imaging, and nursing stations. Foot traffic is constant; shutting it down for a day isn’t realistic. Previous vinyl murals developed seams and lifted corners near sanitizer stations—catching residue and looking tired.

Goals

1. Create a calming, brand-aligned visual with soft color fields and simple wayfinding motifs.
2. Eliminate seams and edges to support daily cleaning and infection-control routines.
3. Complete installation overnight with no impact on rounds or patient transport.
4. Set up a painless refresh path for future campaigns (e.g., donor recognition, staff appreciation, seasonal art).

Constraints

• Active corridor with 24/7 use
• Strict cleaning protocol; no materials that trap residue
• Facilities required clear access before 6:00 a.m.
• Artwork needed to be legible under mixed lighting (downlights + sconces)

Solution (Why Direct-to-Wall)

We printed the artwork directly onto the painted wall using UV-curable inks—one continuous image, no panels. The finish is smooth and cleanable per the paint spec, so EVS can wipe it like any other wall. Because there’s nothing to peel, there are no edges to lift or trap residue.

Artwork & Prep

• Design: Quiet gradient “river” theme with subtle iconography for elevators/units
• Proofing: 24" on-site test swatch to confirm color under corridor lighting
• Surface Readiness: Light touch-up + 24-hour paint cure confirmed by Facilities

Installation Plan

• 9:30 p.m. intake & level
• 10:00 p.m.– 3:30 a.m. print passes (sectioned to keep traffic flowing)
• 3:30 a.m. – 4:00 a.m. cure check, clear coat applied and protection line removal
• Traffic cones and a rolling safety buffer kept one side open at all times; patient transport never paused.

Outcomes

• Downtime: 0 service hours lost; corridor remained usable throughout the night
• Hygiene: Seamless surface = fewer catch points at sanitizer stations; standard nightly wipe-down applies
• Wayfinding: Soft icon markers improved glance-level recognition for elevators/units
• Refresh Path: Next update = quick repaint + reprint; no vinyl removal or adhesive cleanup

Why Not Vinyl Here

• Panels would introduce seams along 70+ linear feet—prime spots for residue and edge lift.
• Removal in a healthcare corridor adds future labor and patching.
• Coordinating certified installers around patient flow = added time and cost.

Budget & Timing

• Scope: ~700 sq ft of print area, overnight install
• Typical Range: Project minimums start around $1,500; healthcare corridors of this size commonly land higher due to length and access. (Exact pricing varies by size/surface/access/complexity.)

Team & Tools

• Flow State: Creative direction, print planning, on-site production
• Partner: Hospital Facilities/EVS for prep and clearances
• Tech: Vertical wall printer (UV inks, high DPI), onsite color test swatch

Before/After (Gallery Notes)

• Shot 1: Full corridor wide—after (hero)
• Shot 2: Detail at sanitizer station—show seamless surface
• Shot 3: Overnight in-progress pass—printer + safety buffer
• Shot 4: Wayfinding icon close-up under downlight

Maintenance & Refresh

• Clean per paint spec; treat as painted wall.
• For updates: repaint to base color, reprint new artwork overnight. No removal fees, no patch/prime from adhesive tear-offs.