Day & Night Signage at 150 Feet Height
From Vision to Reality: The Tale of a 150-Foot Signage Installation
In the world of event management and brand communications, every project comes with its unique set of challenges and triumphs. One such challenge recently presented itself to our team: a monumental signage installation at a towering height of 150 feet, all within a tightly compressed 48-hour timeline. What initially seemed like a daunting task soon became a testament to our team's commitment, expertise, and the seamless integration of innovation and execution. Join us as we take you behind the scenes of this high-flying venture, turning vision into reality against the odds.
The Challenge
When we were tasked with installing a massive signage at 150 feet height, we knew we had a significant challenge ahead. The signage, spanning 30 feet in width, needed to feature intricate gradient designs and showcase a unique day-and-night visual effect for the letters spelling "COMCAST." Adding to the complexity, the entire installation had to be completed within a stringent 48-hour deadline.
The challenges didn’t stop there. The work site was an IT park named Chennai One - IT Sez, with 20,000 walk-ins everyday. Working on weekdays was next to impossible due to the bustling environment. With excellent planning and commitment to the deadline, we decided to execute the project over the weekend, starting on Saturday and completing by Sunday.
Additionally, the project took place during the season of rain and cyclones, adding an element of uncertainty to the weather. This heightened the pressure on our team to complete the work efficiently while hoping for favorable conditions.
Preparation
The groundwork began 20 days prior to the installation. Our team conducted a comprehensive site visit to assess the feasibility of mounting such a large signage at such a height. Key factors like wall structure, wind conditions, and equipment accessibility were meticulously evaluated.
To ensure a smooth workflow, we presented a detailed installation plan and safety protocol to the client. This plan addressed every possible contingency, from equipment failure to worker safety, providing a roadmap that guided us through this demanding task.
A significant part of our preparation involved creating an entire miniature replica of the signage. This replica showcased the exquisite gradient and lighting features, giving the client a clear vision of the final outcome. The replica played a crucial role in securing the client’s green signal for execution.
Design Excellence
The client’s vision for the signage was both challenging and inspiring. The logo featured complex gradient designs that required impeccable print quality to achieve seamless transitions. Furthermore, the letters "COMCAST" were designed to transform with the changing light:
Daytime Appearance: Bold black lettering to provide a sharp, professional look.
Nighttime Glow: Bright white illumination powered by high-quality LEDs, ensuring visibility from afar.
To bring this vision to life, we selected premium materials, including:
High-efficiency LEDs for consistent brightness and durability.
State-of-the-art printing technology for flawless gradient reproduction.
Procurement
The operational team played a pivotal role in sourcing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other materials critical to worker safety and project success. Despite the tight timeline, we ensured all safety gear met industry standards. The equipment included:
Full-body safety harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards.
Life-line rope with fall arrestor.
Anti-skid shoes and reflective jackets.
Anti-slip gloves, protective eyewear, and helmets with chin straps.
Certified boom lift capable of extending up to 155 feet, which is rare in availability.
The procurement team’s efforts ensured that every worker had access to the best safety equipment, minimizing risks during the high-altitude work.
Execution
The two-day installation was a symphony of precision and teamwork.
Day 1: Safety Inspection, Alignment and Setup
Before we began the work, we did a thorough safety inspection of all the site, equipment and the boom lift vehicle. The vehicle was personally inspected by a government approved Competent Person, upon which we proceeded to work.
The wind speed was calculated using an Anemometer to ensure the safety of the workers at heights where increased wind speed will put them at risk. Safety was ensured at every step meticulously.
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The first task was to test the boom lift’s height capacity and ensure it could safely operate at 150 feet. Once verified, the alignment of the signage was marked using a flex stencil. Since the boom lift’s platform was only 10 feet wide, the operator had to reposition it three times across two vertical rows to cover the full width of the signage.
This step required careful coordination between the operator and the workers, ensuring the flex stencil was perfectly aligned as a guide for the final installation.
Day 2: Drilling, Framing, and Lettering
Drilling for Stability: Workers drilled multiple screw holes to secure the signage firmly to the wall. This was a meticulous process, as every hole needed precise alignment.
Installing LED Frames: The LED frames were then screwed into place, forming the base for the illuminated letters.
Fixing the Letters: Each letter of "COMCAST" was carefully mounted onto the frames, ensuring perfect positioning and structural integrity.
Managing Electrical Connections
A significant challenge was the limited allowance for drilling—only two holes could be made to connect the wiring from the signage to the SMPS and main power supply. Our team devised a clever cable management system to overcome this constraint while maintaining safety and functionality. After drilling, we concealed the holes using silicone spray (FIS V Plus 360 S) to protect the wiring.
Outcome
After 48 hours of intense work, the signage was successfully installed. The result was a breathtaking display that met the client’s exact specifications and captured the attention of everyone who saw it. During the day, the black lettering stood out boldly against the wall, and at night, the bright white glow of the letters turned the signage into a beacon of the brand’s identity.
We were fortunate that the weather worked in our favor. Despite the season of rain and cyclones, it didn’t rain for the entire two days of the project. Remarkably, just 15 minutes after completing the work, it began to pour. This stroke of luck was a fitting end to a meticulously planned and executed project.
This project showcased our team’s ability to overcome logistical, technical, and time-based challenges with precision and creativity. The client’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive, a testament to our dedication and expertise.
Conclusion
This project wasn’t just about installing a signage; it was about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within tight constraints. From meticulous preparation to flawless execution, every team member played a crucial role in turning a vision into reality. The 150-foot signage now stands tall as a symbol of our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver under pressure.
We’re proud to have been part of this journey and look forward to more challenges that allow us to innovate and excel.
