Banker Wire Products Prove Ideal Design Complement For Campus Sports Projects

The first two photos above show the interior of the Hale Center at Rutgers University. The third photo above shows the Banker Wire S-4 wire mesh pattern selected for used for backlit lettering and logos.

The first two photos above show the interior of the Michigan State locker room. The third photo above shows the Banker Wire M44-2 wire mesh pattern that surrounds the inside of each locker.

The first two photos above show the interior of the new Student Recreation Center on the campus of LSU. The third photo above shows the Banker Wire L-62 woven mesh product used throughout.

Whether it’s to entice blue-chip athletes or to appeal to the fitness interests of prospective students in general, colleges and universities know the importance of having facilities that make a good first impression. Fresh and modern is almost always a must and for both ground-up new construction projects and makeovers to existing structures, products from Banker Wire have shown to be an ideal design complement.

Banker Wire was established by Charles Banker in 1896 as the C.I. Banker Wire & Iron Works. The company thrived as a fabricator of wrought iron and wire products such as fire escapes, tool room partitions and bank teller cages. Today, the company is known as a premier source for woven wire mesh used in both industrial and architectural applications.

For architecture, Banker Wire offers cutting-edge products that challenge the status quo by blending form and function, beauty and style. That’s why they’re frequently specified by colleges and universities where quality and longevity are always priorities.

Three recent example projects provide a glimpse of the many ways in which Banker Wire products can be incorporated into collegiate settings.

Rutgers University - Hale Center

PROJECT DESIGNER: Forty Nine Degrees

The Hale Center at Rutgers University is home of the school’s football program. Adjacent to the Highpoint.com Stadium, it houses some of the most advanced sports and training facilities in the country.

The Hale Center underwent a renovation that featured oversized graphics and brightly lit features to renew the University's pride and accomplishments. Stainless steel S-4 wire mesh from Banker Wire was incorporated with the backlit lettering and logos throughout the buildings hallways. The bold and modern look of the S-4 woven wire mesh promotes a visual of strength and substance that works well with the large signage.

Michigan State University Football Locker Room

PROJECT DESIGNER: Integrated Design Solutions

Michigan State football coaches used to avoid showing recruits their outdated home locker room. Now, after a substantial addition, the Spartans have a locker room to be proud of. The new locker room was included in the addition of a 50,000-square-foot North End Zone Complex, which was designed by Integrated Design Solutions. The 5,000-square-foot locker room, called the Rachel Fairman Adams Spartan Locker Room, after the late mother of former MSU and NFL offensive lineman Flozell Adams, leaves no question of the identity of its home team. A Spartans carpet covers its floor, photos of the team decorate its walls, and green accents are interspersed throughout the space. Every detail is tended to, including the lockers themselves, which are embellished with Banker Wire woven wire mesh.

Integrated Design Solutions sought an alternative to traditional wood lockers. For that purpose, they turned to Banker Wire, eventually selecting the M44-2 weave with a lock crimp pattern. Lock crimps are characterized by straight sections of wire connected by a well-defined “bump” at their intersections. This pattern features groups of four wires that intersect in a plaid-like pattern, adding visual interest to the lockers, and allowing their users to place hangers and other items almost anywhere they choose. In stainless steel, it complements the Spartan green used throughout the facility.

"We looked at several materials to use as embellishments. Banker Wire mesh had an upscale look and was still durable enough to use in an athletic environment," says Ann Green, senior associate with Integrated Design Solutions and the interior designer of the North End Zone Complex.

LSU Recreation (UREC)

PROJECT ARCHITECT: HOK

Following a three-year renovation and expansion plan, LSU Recreation (UREC) new Student Recreation Center reopened with enhanced facilities for fitness, wellness, aquatic and outdoor adventure. The 250,000-square-foot facility, designed by HOK, utilizes Banker Wire’s L-62 woven wire mesh as infill panels for the extensive amount of railing used through the facility. The versatile look of Banker Wire’s L-62 high-definition lock crimp appeals to both restoration and new-build projects. The unique crimp features straight sections of wire with highly defined crimps at the points of intersection, lending itself to a smooth appearance to complement the sleek design of the recreation center. Providing strength and durability, this woven wire mesh pattern is ideal for withstanding heavy use and providing substantial fall protection. The large percent open area of L-62 also gives various areas of the UREC separation without completely blocking line of sight.

“The challenge was finding a guard infill stout enough to not deform from use; in recreation centers railing is often an impromptu stretching station, and thin enough for a visual transparency design goal,” said Gene Lund, Project Architect at HOK. “It was a fine line, specifying a railing infill material that was opaque enough to act as a safety component but transparent enough to maintain clear lines of sight with visual appeal. We fell in love with Banker Wire because of the company’s breadth of options, and we were able to find the perfect mesh profile - ultimately building a railing system that is both elegant and durable.”

About Banker Wire

Banker Wire offers architectural wire mesh. For more information, visit www.bankerwire.com.