CASE STUDY
WISCONSIN YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
At the heart of Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra’s (WYSO) new facility, our donor wall stands as a tribute to the generosity that made this space possible. Designed for WYSO’s Note by Note campaign, the wall honors nearly 200 donors while providing space for 175 future contributors, ensuring that support for young musicians continues to grow.
Track System
Unlike many donor walls that mark the conclusion of a campaign, WYSO wanted a system that would remain open-ended, encouraging future donations at every level. To support this vision, we developed a flexible, updatable system that seamlessly integrates new donors without disrupting the overall composition. The track system allows for easy updates while maintaining a polished, cohesive design.
visualising sound
We wanted the donor wall to feel like a natural extension of WYSO’s mission—celebrating music and its impact. The wall’s design takes inspiration from a musical staff, with five rows of donor names, creating a visual rhythm reminiscent of sheet music. A custom treble clef sign anchors the design, while bump-out panels add depth and movement, much like a dynamic composition. These bump-outs feature quotes about the importance of music, stenciled and encapsulated in resin for a polished, dimensional effect.
fine-tuned materials
Each donor block is made of laser-engraved acrylic, hand-finished for a refined presentation. The donor names are grouped by color and size, signifying different levels of contribution. The smallest block measures 3” x 4.5”, while the largest reaches 9.5” x 24”, ensuring legibility and recognition for every donor.
The bump-outs, constructed from bent steel, sintra, and resin, not only add depth but were also carefully engineered to meet ADA guidelines, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
Elevating the message
To add depth and movement to the donor wall, we incorporated bump-outs—elevated elements that bring a dynamic feel to the display. Constructed from bent steel, Sintra, and resin, these pieces extend from the wall, creating a layered composition that enhances the visual rhythm.
Each bump-out features quotes about the power of music, carefully selected by the client. To ensure durability, we hand-painted the quotes onto the surface and encapsulated them in resin, preserving their clarity and longevity. These elements invite visitors to reflect on the transformative impact of music.
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composed in color
The wall’s color gradient is a harmonious blend of blues and greens, with WYSO’s brand colors woven into the spectrum. This approach allowed us to maintain brand consistency while creating a visually striking display that complements the architecture of the new facility.
overcoming challenges
The donor wall’s curved and uneven surface presented a unique challenge, requiring meticulous fabrication and an adaptive installation approach. Every component was carefully planned to ensure a seamless, polished final result that honors the donors and aligns with WYSO’s vision.
