PAN,

I am writing new mural program guidelines for south Florida.  In my administrative work, I always establish life spans for public art.  At the end of the contracted life span, the work can be removed, renewed or replaced.  Usually, I am establishing the life span for the project as six months (temporary), 5 years, 15 years or permanent.  In this case, I want to advise property owners and set a time when the City examines the work.

 

Do you think my life spans are typical for the various type of murals before they started to look weathered, dirty or generally dull? 

 

Thanks. Glenn Weiss

 

Life of Mural

The applicant should declare the life span of the mural during which the mural will be maintained in excellent condition.  All painted and printed mural should have UV protection.  Unless agreed by the Art Advisory Board, the following life spans are established:

 

• North Facing or Shaded Painted Wall:  20 Years
• East, South and West Painted Wall or Roof:  10 Years
• Painted or Stained Street or Drive:  2 Years
• Painted or Stained Pedestrian Sidewalks or Plaza:  5 Years
• Concrete skim coats and etching:  Permanent
• Glazed Colored Ceramic, Glass or Stone Mosaic:  Permanent
• Printed Mural on Ceramic:  20 Years
• Printed Mural on Adhesive Vinyl, Aluminum Composite Material or similar:  7 Years
• Digital Displays:  Depending on Manufacturer’s Warranty
• Digital Projections:  Depending on Manufacturer’s Warranty

 

At the end of the declared lifespan, the property owner should be prepared to remove, renew or replace the mural.