Transforming Urban Eyesores: How Printed Banners and ACM Are Revolutionising Construction Site Aesthetics
Construction is a vital force in shaping the modern city, breathing new life into historic streets and skyline-defining architecture. But let’s face it—building sites are rarely easy on the eyes. For pedestrians, tourists, and local businesses, scaffolding, hoarding, and heavy-duty machinery can often be an unwelcome blot on the urban landscape.
Enter Project Print Management LLP, at the forefront of transforming the way we experience construction zones. With innovative use of printed banners and Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding, we’ve found a way to marry practicality with creativity, and necessity with design. A recent project at Leicester Court in London’s West End exemplifies this approach—turning a cluttered, scaffold-heavy site into an engaging visual piece that respects its surrounding environment.
Let’s explore how the clever use of printed media can help reimagine the aesthetics of urban construction, with a spotlight on this eye-catching central London project.
The Problem: Construction Blight in a Pedestrian Hotspot
Leicester Court, nestled between Leicester Square and Chinatown, is a high-traffic zone teeming with tourists, locals, and theatre-goers. Any construction here, no matter how essential, risks disrupting not just the visual harmony of the area but also its commercial activity and public perception.
As shown in the “before” photo, the scaffolding necessary for structural and façade renovations was extensive. Steel poles and framework jutted out from the street level up to the roofline. Access routes narrowed, natural light was blocked, and the area’s vibrant character took a hit.
From a project management point of view, safety and access were priorities—but so too was public image. No one wants to see what looks like a disorganised maze of metal and tarpaulin, especially in one of London’s most photogenic and footfall-heavy districts.
The Solution: Printed Banners and ACM for Architectural Illusion
Our team stepped in to offer a design-led solution—using a mix of ACM panels and weatherproof printed banners to disguise the construction site while work continued behind the scenes.
The transformation involved two primary elements:
1. ACM Cladding with Architectural Print
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) is a lightweight yet rigid panel composed of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a non-aluminium core. It’s ideal for construction environments—resistant to weather, easy to install, and capable of high-resolution printing.
In this project, ACM panels were printed with a bespoke design mimicking the red-brick Victorian architecture typical of the surrounding buildings. From windows and ledges to the colour and texture of the bricks, the design was painstakingly crafted to blend in almost seamlessly with its real counterparts.
The result? An optical illusion that transformed the hoarding into what looked like a continuation of the street’s architecture. As seen in the “after” photo, what was once an eyesore became almost invisible—a printed trompe l’oeil that respected the heritage of the area.
2. Printed Mesh and PVC Banners
For the scaffolding that rose above street level, we used high-strength mesh and PVC banners printed with complementary architectural visuals. These materials are specifically chosen for their wind-permeable and durable properties, making them ideal for wrapping scaffolding without compromising structural integrity or safety.
The artwork continued the brick motif and added elements like faux windows and building details, further embedding the illusion. The banners were securely fastened to the scaffolding poles, maintaining their tautness and visual clarity despite the unpredictable British weather.
Design Meets Practicality: Key Benefits of Printed Banners and ACM
The Leicester Court project wasn’t just a cosmetic fix. Our printed ACM and banners brought real-world benefits to multiple stakeholders:
✅ Improved Public Perception
By hiding scaffolding with artwork that mirrors real architecture, the site no longer looked under construction. This elevated the area’s aesthetic and maintained a welcoming atmosphere for tourists and locals alike.
✅ Brand Protection for Developers
Construction sites are often the first impression the public gets of a new development. By wrapping the site in high-quality visuals, developers and contractors protect their brand from associations with disorder and disruption.
✅ Enhanced Safety and Wayfinding
Printed panels can incorporate essential messaging—directions, health and safety notices, business continuity signage—without compromising on aesthetics. It ensures that functionality and form go hand in hand.
✅ Business Continuity for Retailers
Shops and restaurants near the site benefited from improved visual access and customer flow, as the printed designs preserved the allure of the street. It’s much easier to attract foot traffic when your street doesn’t look like a construction zone.
The Art of Blending In: Custom Creative Process
One of the standout elements of the Leicester Court job was the custom artwork. Our in-house design team visited the site, photographed the surrounding buildings, and developed a detailed digital composite that recreated the brickwork, mortar tone, window reflections, and even the patina of age.
This wasn’t a generic brick pattern pulled from a stock library. It was bespoke art that respected architectural heritage and fooled even the most discerning eye.
Once approved, the artwork was printed using UV-stable, waterproof inks to ensure it looked crisp and vibrant, regardless of weather conditions. Installation was completed during off-peak hours to minimise disruption, and the final result was a harmonious, camouflaged site that delighted passers-by and stakeholders alike.
What’s Next? Elevating Urban Aesthetics Nationwide
The Leicester Court success story is just one of many. Increasingly, councils, developers, and contractors are seeking creative ways to reduce the visual and social impact of construction.
Whether it’s:
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Disguising unsightly scaffolding in a conservation area,
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Enhancing the branding of a new retail or hotel development, or
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Adding artistic storytelling to community regeneration projects,
Printed ACM and banners offer a flexible, cost-effective, and eye-catching solution.
At Project Print Management LLP, we’re proud to be leading this charge—transforming construction from a necessary nuisance into an opportunity for engagement, creativity, and beauty.
Conclusion: Disguise with Purpose
Construction sites don’t have to be ugly. With clever design, high-quality materials, and a commitment to aesthetic excellence, they can be visually captivating, respectful of heritage, and seamlessly woven into the urban tapestry.
Leicester Court is proof of what’s possible when functionality meets creativity. And at Project Print Management LLP, this is only the beginning.
If you’re managing a project that could use a visual uplift—or if you’re simply tired of seeing metal poles and plywood dominate your streetscape—get in touch. Let’s transform your construction site into something remarkable.
Contact us today to find out how we can bring your hoarding to life—with creativity, craftsmanship, and care.