MDS Architects designed each of the four murals highlighting a prominent feature in the natural world: Water, Woods, Trees and Grass. Polyvision Surface Imaged CeramicSteel fits in perfectly with the environmental theme: certified Air Advantage Gold and Cradle-to-Cradle Bronze, healthy indoor air is maintained with zero VOC emissions and ecologically sustainable with a product lifecycle that exceeds most other interior decorative and functional wall cladding materials, keeping material out of landfills.

Along with Polyvision’s “Lifetime Warranty” that guarantees the surface gloss level and fadeproof color for the life of the building or as long as the product is in use, these features are ideal for schools, where conservative budgets appreciate quality and performance.

Their goal was to make a version of the mural accessible and with interactive features for the Center’s younger crowd, and Polyvision Surface Imaging on CeramicSteel was the perfect solution. The original artwork is a dramatic view of a grassy field and sky with a bird in flight in soothing earth-tone colors.

The smooth surface is inherently magnetic, so children can play directly with the colorful surface, adding shape magnets and moving them around infinitely without any risk of surface damage. The 8-foot-wide panel is large enough for several children to play at the same time, and witnessing their enjoyment makes the mural artwork even more special for the Center’s staff. In addition to beautifully rendered color, CeramicSteel is ideal for settings that cater to children as the product is Indoor Advantage Gold certified, emitting no harmful VOCs into the air.

Paying homage to the building’s purpose, various symbols and elements found in formulas, diagrams, calculations, blueprints, and the science of physics, are combined in unique ways to create interesting and complex graphic patterns that invite contemplation.

Polyvision’s digitally printed CeramicSteel was an ideal product for the artist to effectively convey the design intent and provide superior performance over the long term. The specialized technology delivers fadeproof, rich color and visual texture on a durable, weather resistant surface, ensuring years of enjoyment by the university community. Having used printed CeramicSteel on other public art projects, RE:site artist-founder Shane Allbritton “loved the results in terms of color, clarity, and especially durability” and it was these qualities that helped her win the project.