Preserving Campus Buildings: Safe and Effective Graffiti Removal
As civic and cultural symbols, institutional buildings are often targets of public action, particularly during times of uncertainty. Iconic buildings on college and university campuses are no exception, with an ongoing risk of graffiti associated with the recurrent nature of protest activity on campuses.
Taking a proactive, customized approach that anticipates incidences of building graffiti can increase a structure’s ongoing resiliency, saving colleges’ and universities’ remediation and extended costs while improving campus safety in periods of social unrest.
Key to developing a working plan are clear communications channels among a college or university’s key stakeholders and teams involved in graffiti removal, including a review of protocols that detail an effective, safe, and rapid-response anti-vandalism management program, as demonstrated in a new study by Page & Turnbull, in collaboration with Gensler and the United States General Services Administration (GSA), Western Region (Region 9).
Crucial, as well, is an initial assessment and documentation of the campus’ buildings that encompasses existing building materials, along with approved cleaning products, tools, and techniques, as determined by an analysis of pretesting mockups for treating the identified building materials. Based on those findings, the creation of a subsequent “quick start” guide will provide maintenance crews with clear, actionable steps to take on specific buildings following an incidence that avoid further building damage from overly aggressive removal procedures.
These guides should also include protocols for when to stop and engage a specialist for further graffiti removal and repair work, as well as systematized follow-up documentation on the effects of the graffiti removal efforts to continue to optimize procedures in case of future or similar incidences. The guide also should outline policies for single events where graffiti is applied in more than one place, including steps on the order to treat the most to least severe incidences.
Below are details on various aspects of the guide.
Campus Building Assessments
One of the best ways to ensure the safe removal of graffiti from a building is knowing the structure’s age, material composition, and any special considerations, as noted on the school’s graffiti-removal guide. For instance, historic buildings with porous stone facades or fragile terra cotta decorative elements may be at a higher risk for damage associated with graffiti removal and more difficult to repair.
Proper cleaning technique guidelines will help staff avoid further damage to the building. For example, establishing appropriate pressure levels, naming pre-tested cleaning products, and noting appropriate types of scrub brush bristles will help mitigate further material damage. To the extent possible, maintenance crews should track, test, and document emerging graffiti removal innovations; for example, specialists in laser-cleaning on stonework.
Protocols for Graffiti Removal and Restoration
A quick response to graffiti removal typically results in the best outcomes for its thorough removal and minimal permanent damage. Therefore, careful preparation and planning is necessary to determine the safest and most effective approaches.
An important consideration is which media was used to create the graffiti and how the building’s age and composition may be affected by the removal of the paint, marker, or other media. Following established protocols based on the situation will help avoid eroding, scratching, flaking, or otherwise damaging surfaces outside of the graffiti’s application. Especially at risk are porous surfaces, such as textured stone and brick, that are likely to be scarred by harsh cleaners, tools, and high pressures; polished finishes, on the other hand, are typically hardier.
Beyond considerations of a building’s finished surfaces is the overall Integrity of Its envelope and its ability to endure water-based and pressurized graffiti removal. This is a specific concern for historic mid-20th century curtain wall buildings that may be susceptible to water infiltration. Finally, the potential use of protective finishes and coatings should be carefully considered and tested prior to application because they may alter the appearance of finishes and can present ongoing maintenance concerns.
Protective Measures and High-Risk Attributes
With historic landmarks common targets for graffiti on college and university campuses in times of protest, an anti-graffiti approach must consider both protective measures for the buildings and rightful access to them. Examples include using removable barriers, along with attractive landscaping, such as trees and shrubs that offer unimposing protection.
Keep in mind: it is critical to address windows, doors, and other highly vulnerable areas with protective measures to ward against immediate damage and vandalism. Solutions that are in character with historic buildings styles present less obvious efforts, such as impact-resistant glazing, the use of structurally sound metal and wood materials, context-appropriate architectural elements that deter access, and wire fencing adorned with natural vines.
Creating a considered, step-by-step customized plan that protects college and university campuses’ iconic, historic, and landmark buildings from vandalism and outlines protocols for the safe and effective removal graffiti and restoration efforts, allows academic institutions to reduce potential incidents of graffiti and their effects in ways that minimize additional harm and maximize building resiliency and personal safety.
