Saints Operations Facility
Client
New Orleans Saints
Partners
Woodward Design+Build, ASI Signage Innovations
Location
Metairie, Louisiana
Awards
South Central Chapter of ASID Silver Award, IIDA Award od Excellence
Services
Interior Design, Branding Development, Signage and Wayfinding, Museum Display Development
CDI Solutions was tasked with transforming a 2,182 sq. ft. museum exhibit space at the Saints Operations Facility, resulting in a complete overhaul that enhanced both its functional layout and visual impact. The project involved remodeling the reception desk, ticket sales area, and exhibit floor plan, all aimed at creating an immersive and seamless experience for visitors. This project artfully integrated the branding elements of both NFL and NBA teams, celebrating sports memorabilia while ensuring a smooth visitor flow.
The space plan prioritizes the museum exhibit area, featuring a queuing line designed to give visitors an up-close interaction with sports memorabilia. A key feature of the design is the floor pattern, which prominently displays the iconic fleur-de-lis. This not only adds depth and guides visitors through the space, but it also visually ties the different exhibit areas together. The fleur-de-lis, representing both NFL and NBA branding, is central to the overall design, anchoring the space around the Lombardi Trophy case. This custom-built case, millwork design by CDI Solutions, proudly houses the prized NFL Vince Lombardi Superbowl trophy and serves as a major focal point of the exhibit.
The use of a shifted grid pattern throughout the exhibit creates visual continuity, expanding the space and branding the sports teams in a subtle, yet impactful manner. This pattern is especially effective in highlighting the Lombardi Trophy, which is accentuated by specialty millwork including the trophy case itself, a coordinating ceiling feature, exhibit display cases, ticket sales counters, and the main reception desk. Additionally, the security doors to the museum are designed to retract fully into a concealed niche when the space is open to the public, maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic.
Lighting played a critical role in this project. Specialty lighting elements were integrated into the ceiling canopy above the Lombardi Trophy, with maneuverable fixtures to ensure that this trophy remains the exhibit’s star attraction. The trophy case features a continuous acrylic security shield built into a solid surface countertop, offering a balance between staff accessibility and security for public viewing. The case aligns with the adjacent museum exhibits, maintaining a harmonious visual flow within the space.
The museum’s entrance features angled individual display cases on the right, directing visitors through the exhibit. The central exhibit area includes a large display case, viewable from both sides, surrounded by marketing panels. This configuration allows for an unobstructed view of the sports memorabilia, ensuring each item receives the attention it deserves. On the left, smaller exhibit cabinets display individual items with a focus on creating a personal connection with visitors.
The millwork was designed with functionality in mind. Canted surfaces were incorporated to prevent clutter, integrating display cubes with adjustable recessed lighting to highlight featured items. The glass doors of the exhibit cases are frameless, providing an uninterrupted view, while column covers wrapped in metal laminate, reminiscent of the NFL team’s Superdome interiors, include integrated LED lighting that changes colors and adds a dynamic visual detail. These elements also comply with ADA regulations for protruding objects.
The central exhibit case stands out with a mix of laminated finishes and two contrasting wood grains that break up the expanse of the display. Integrated audio/visual features enhance the interactive experience, while a metal laminate soffit band unites the exhibit with adjacent wall displays. Anodized aluminum corner guards protect the case from the wear and tear of high-traffic areas, and a flexible wire cable display system allows for easy updates to the exhibit.
In the ticket sales area, materials mirror those used in the exhibit space, maintaining consistency throughout. The customer queue is delineated with durable, solid surfacing, while a curved metal-clad “eyebrow” supports integrated signage. A large vinyl wall graphic behind the ticket sales desk brands both sports teams and provides separation from adjacent workspaces.
Signage throughout the space was carefully specified to align with the design aesthetic. A seating chart, mounted within a removable acrylic frame, sits alongside a vinyl wall graphic that reinforces the sports teams’ branding. The reception desk, located at the tip of the fleur-de-lis, mirrors the materials and finishes used in the rest of the space, creating a cohesive look. Subtle detailing, such as blind doors and recessed reveals, ensures that the desk blends seamlessly into the environment, while specialty downlighting echoes the design seen at the NFL stadium.
This project at the Saints Operations Facility exemplifies CDI Solutions' commitment to blending functionality, aesthetics, and branding into a cohesive environment that enhances visitor engagement and celebrates the spirit of sports.
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