Picture this: You’ve traveled across the country to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, only to find the entire exterior wrapped in construction barriers. Disappointment sets in… until you get closer. Instead of dull plywood and the typical “No Bills” signage, you’re greeted by a vibrant colourful mural celebrating hockey legends and allowing the building behind the scrim to be presented in its glory.
Welcome to the world of creative construction hoarding, where necessary eyesores transform into unexpected delights.
The Accidental Tourist Attraction
Let’s face it – construction is rarely anyone’s idea of a good time, especially when you’re on vacation. But what if those pesky barriers could actually enhance your experience? That’s the magic happening at attractions like the Hockey Hall of Fame, where clever designers are turning lemons into a surprisingly refreshing lemonade.
Many visitors find themselves pleasantly surprised by these installations. What starts as initial disappointment often turns into fascination, with tourists spending significant time exploring the hoarding itself, sometimes rivaling the time spent at the actual attraction.
Walt Disney World: Masters of Magical Misdirection
When it comes to creative construction hoarding, few do it better than The Walt Disney Company – specifically Walt Disney World. With millions of visitors each year and constant upgrades to maintain the magic, Disney has turned construction concealment into an art form.
Take, for example, their approach during the extensive reimagining of Epcot. Instead of plain walls, guests are treated to colorful, larger-than-life murals depicting Disney characters and future attractions. These aren’t just static images – they often incorporate elements of storytelling and Disney lore, giving fans plenty to discuss and analyze.
Most of the buildings are constructed using forced perspective, which is the illusion of making something look larger than it actually is by using smaller features at the top than in the bottom. When those buildings go under construction and need to have a construction scrim added, it’s easier to spot the change in length when a random bird will shatter the ploy by landing on the top of the structure without knowing it.
A Win-Win Situation
For attraction managers, creative hoarding is like finding money in the couch cushions. Not only does it keep visitors happy during disruptive renovations, but it can actually drum up excitement for the changes to come. Many venues report increased social media activity and future bookings directly related to their innovative hoarding designs.
Enhancing the Guest Experience
Creative hoarding goes beyond mere aesthetics. When done right, it can actually improve the visitor experience in several ways:
- Information and Education: Hoarding can provide insights into the renovation process, the history of the site, or teasers about new features to come.
- Interactive Elements: QR codes, augmented reality features, or touch-screen displays can offer engaging content to passersby.
- Photo Opportunities: Well-designed hoarding can become an Instagram-worthy backdrop, encouraging social media shares and organic marketing.
- Brand Reinforcement: Consistent use of brand elements keeps the attraction’s identity strong even when its usual facade is hidden.
Best Practices for Effective Hoarding
To maximize the potential of creative construction hoarding, consider the following approaches:
- Align with Brand Identity: Use colors, logos, and messaging that reflect the attraction’s unique character and values.
- Incorporate Local Culture: Reference the surrounding area to create a sense of place and community connection.
- Update Regularly: Change elements of the hoarding over time to maintain interest and reflect project progress.
- Integrate Technology: Use digital elements to provide real-time updates or interactive experiences.
- Create Anticipation: Use the hoarding as a teaser campaign for the renovated space, building excitement for the reveal.
The Future is Bright (and Probably Animated)
As technology advances, the possibilities for these temporary installations are exploding. We might soon see entire city blocks turned into immersive storytelling experiences during long-term construction projects. Imagine walking past a construction site and having the finished building shimmer into view on your smart glasses, or barriers that change their display based on the weather or time of day.
The takeaway? Next time you encounter construction at your favorite tourist spot, don’t groan – get curious. You might just stumble upon an unexpected highlight of your trip. And for those managing attractions, perhaps it’s time to ask: Is your construction hoarding living up to its creative potential?
After all, when life gives you scaffolding, why not make an interactive, brand-boosting, selfie-worthy lemonade stand?
