Event scaffolding wrap for BST Concerts in Hyde Park
Flatiron-Inspired Event Scaffolding Wrap for British Summer Time 2022
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the much-anticipated British Summer Time (BST) festival returned to Hyde Park in 2022. As part of the festival’s ambitious revival, an iconic event scaffolding wrap was needed to serve as a centerpiece for the festival grounds. Project Print Management (PPM) was approached to tender for the challenging task of transforming a massive shipping container structure into a striking replica of New York’s Flatiron Building.
The Challenge: A Tight Deadline for a Bold Vision
The project specifications were daunting: the structure measured 7.7 meters high, 46 meters long, and 2.6 meters deep. With the festival set to begin on June 24, 2022, PPM was first approached at the start of May, leaving a tight six-week window to deliver what was already an ambitious project. The final deadline for completion was set for June 17, giving little room for delays or missteps.
Design Concept: The Flatiron Building
The concept was to recreate the iconic Flatiron Building, a New York City landmark completed in 1902 and celebrated for its Renaissance palazzo style and Beaux-Arts detailing. Standing 22 stories tall and resembling a cast-iron clothes iron, the Flatiron Building has become one of the world’s most recognizable skyscrapers. For the festival, the replica was designed to house eight bars inside and be positioned centrally on the grounds, serving as a focal point for attendees. As a centerpiece, the structure demanded a premium finish to complement its striking aesthetic.
Engineering the Scaffolding Sub-Frame
To achieve the visual impact of the Flatiron design, a 300mm projecting scaffold sub-frame was required to support and display the printed mesh banner. PPM collaborated with a scaffold engineer to create a design that would allow the banner to be tensioned securely while hiding the bungee cords used for fastening. The projection ensured that the banner could move slightly without interfering with the underlying scaffolding, enhancing both the safety and durability of the installation.
Racing Against the Clock
By late May, just three weeks from the deadline, the project faced additional complications. The size of the structure had expanded to 10 meters high, 78 meters long, and 4 meters deep—nearly doubling the original specifications to 860 square meters. Meanwhile, the two other companies tendering for the project had withdrawn, citing its complexity, scale, and limited timeframe.
Despite these challenges, PPM forged ahead, negotiating with printing and installation partners to adjust schedules. The revised timeline allowed completion of the Flatiron scaffolding wrap by June 22—just one day before the festival officially opened.
Printing the Mesh Banner
To achieve the high-quality, realistic finish desired by the client, the banner was printed as a single 10-meter by 78-meter section for the main façade, with the two side returns also produced as single sections. The total banner size exceeded 810 square meters, with an approximate weight of 304 kilograms, as each square meter of the fire-retardant (FR) mesh material weighed 375 grams.
The banners were printed using a state-of-the-art Vutec UV 5-meter-wide digital printer, ensuring vibrant colours and precision detailing. Additionally, interior sections of the structure housing the bars were wrapped in printed material to complete the immersive design.
Installation of the Flatiron Wrap
Installation was a meticulous process requiring both skill and coordination. A team of 16 experienced installers, equipped with access pickers and rope access systems, worked over two long days to hoist the 304-kilogram banner into place. The installation extended late into the night, with the final adjustments completed by 10 PM on the second day. The banner was secured using bungee cords, ensuring it remained taut and aligned perfectly with the scaffold frame.
The Event Structure: A Foundation for Success
An event scaffolding wrap of this scale depends heavily on the quality and safety of the underlying structure. For the Flatiron wrap, scaffolding replaced the originally proposed shipping containers due to time constraints and structural considerations. Layher scaffolding was selected as the optimal solution for its ease of assembly and design flexibility.
Health and safety were paramount throughout the project. Load-bearing calculations and wind load assessments were meticulously conducted, and the final structure was signed off by Westminster Council’s health and safety engineers to ensure compliance with festival regulations.
Planning Is Key to Success
PPM specializes in delivering complex, time-sensitive print projects, and the Flatiron scaffolding wrap underscored the importance of detailed planning and collaboration. Projects of this scale ideally require 10 to 12 weeks of preparation, as they often involve coordination across multiple organizations, from designers and engineers to printers and installation teams.
A Stunning Centrepiece for BST Hyde Park
The completed Flatiron-inspired scaffolding wrap stood as a striking centrepiece at BST Hyde Park, blending architectural homage with functional design. The structure not only housed bars but also served as a visual anchor for the festival, enhancing the overall atmosphere and experience for the 65,000 attendees.
About British Summer Time Hyde Park
BST Hyde Park has been a cornerstone of London’s festival scene since its inception in 2013, hosting world-class acts such as Elton John, The Rolling Stones, and Adele. The 2022 edition marked a triumphant return after the pandemic-induced hiatus, with capacity crowds celebrating live music in one of London’s most iconic locations.
About the Flatiron Building
The original Flatiron Building, located at 175 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, remains one of New York City’s most celebrated architectural landmarks. Completed in 1902, the 285-foot-tall steel-framed structure earned its name for its resemblance to a flatiron, becoming a symbol of New York’s early skyscraper boom.
Contact PPM for Event Scaffolding Wraps
PPM takes pride in tackling challenging projects like the Flatiron scaffolding wrap, delivering exceptional results even under tight deadlines. For more information about event structure wraps, building wraps, festival scrims, or other large-format printing solutions, visit our blog or contact us directly.