Stairway to Imagination

IN A PROJECT AIMED to promote inclusivity through innovative interior design, the central three-story stairwell of Sherman Elementary School, a nearly 100-year-old San Francisco Unified School District K-5 school, was transformed into a dynamic space for students of all backgrounds and learning styles.

The mixed media installation spans 2,900 feet and includes unique digitally printed graphics and 3D elements for children to discover — all inspired by the students’ ideas. The rich, colorful wallcoverings on the three floors were printed with Roland DG printers on Avery Dennison MPI 2105 vinyl and DOL 2080 matte overlaminate at San Francisco-based VIVAS Inc. and installed by VIVAS and Lane Displays.

“This was one of the most ambitious projects we have ever done — a three-floor staircase, full wrap, top to bottom,” says Luis Vivas, founder and owner of the 14-year-old graphics firm.

“We use MPI 2105 on smooth surfaces, but, like many historical buildings, the walls of the school had a bit of texture, so we tested the film. It worked perfectly. The feedback from the installers is that the film was easy to install and had great clarity. It conformed well to the wood molding that runs all along the stairwell, where it was not initially going to be applied,” he says.

“We were also very happy with the DOL 2080 overlaminate. Some other film manufacturers’ matte overlaminates tone down the colors of the underlying film, but the colors on these walls remain bright and vibrant,” says Vivas.

“This project has transformed a very dull staircase into a multi-sensory learning experience for our students,” says Sherman Elementary Principal Helen Parker Leigh. “We hope it will have an incredibly positive, long-term impact on our students as they interact with all the elements that have been thoughtfully added. We are looking forward to finding all the ways we can use it to teach and reinforce our academic and social-emotional curricula.”

“Seeing the power of our materials used for such a positive and impactful cause is inspiring,” says Tamara Baumann-Sharell, Regional Sales Manager (CA/TX/HI), Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions.

• Smooth and easy
  The stairwell finished image showcases the graphic film installation.
• inspiring creativity
  The project has transformed a very dull staircase into a multi-sensory learning experience for students.
• bright and light
  The DOL 2080 overlaminate doesn’t tone down the colors of the underlying film, but the colors on the walls remain bright and vibrant.