Ingéniosité | Cosmodôme Expo | Optimum Graphiques

Special projects

A New Moon Rises
Temporary Exhibition

A New Moon Rises is a temporary exhibition on display on the Laval Cosmodome footbridge for 2 years (until June 2025). It features stunning large-scale photographs of the lunar surface captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LROC) camera between 2009 and 2015 that reveal a surprisingly dynamic celestial neighbour.

Optimum Graphiques’s role in this project was to create an ingenious, high-quality exhibition space on the Cosmodome’s footbridges that was also safe and durable.

With our specialized equipment, we were able to print highly detailed high-definition images of the magnificent photographs of the Moon. By overcoming various obstacles and complying with different requirements, OG found a creative solution that met the high display standards of the Smithsonian Institution.

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Their Objectives   

Reproduce the original Smithsonian exhibition as faithfully as possible on the Cosmodome’s footbridge.
Using the English design files, adapt the exhibition in French according to the layout specifications of the
Smithsonian exhibition while abiding by the physical restrictions of the Cosmodome.
Work within the budget while having a high-quality exhibition that can be sustained for two years in a
safe environment for the general public and school groups.
Find an inventive, aesthetic and high-quality solution to create a display wall with a safe structure
taking into account the constraints of structural arches.

Our Genius at Work

The work first began with our team of graphic designers who, in addition to seeing to the aesthetic adaptation of the existing exhibition in Arizona for the Cosmodome, had to provide excellent planning and management for a large number of files for production. The final result had to go through translation as well as adaptation to a new museum space. The genius of our design team was the backbone of the project.

The client initially wanted us to print on fabric walls, but due to structural and budgetary constraints, we had to recommend other, more suitable materials. We chose lightweight foam core panels covered with two rigid polystyrene sheets. This type of panel was resistant to impacts and deformation and had a durable surface that did not allow humidity to penetrate. It was ideal to let the ink stand out clearly on high-quality digitally printed images. In the end, the client’s needs were met and our solution fit the budget.

Our ingenuity also came into play when installing these panels, because we had to affix them securely and aesthetically to an arched wall. We had to build a base made out of wood and aluminum to hold the panels in place. And finally, we added aluminum moulding to increase durability and enhance the design.

The second wall of the footbridge was decorated with a tapestry that was digitally printed on a Colorado press in order to faithfully render the very high quality of the photos.

The hanging moons were printed on acrylic with white ink, allowing us to print on both sides. Once again, the challenge of a safe and aesthetic installation was significant with an over-25-feet-high ceiling.

We also had to print several other items, including window and table stickers, as well as signage. With this challenging project, we exceeded the client’s expectations by complying with the print quality specifications for the photos, providing impressive grey tones on different materials and dealing with the printing requirements on different presses.

In the end, OG’s ingenuity, the quality of its equipment and the know-how of its craftspeople were the winning combination to give the Cosmodome’s visitors a view of the Moon unlike anything they had ever seen!