DSA Signage
Seattle Space Needle
Background
The Space Needle is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Pacific Northwest and a symbol of Seattle’s innovative spirit. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower has since welcomed more than 60 million visitors, with over 1.3 million guests annually riding its elevators 605 feet into the sky to take in sweeping views of downtown Seattle, Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
In 2016, the Space Needle team began reimagining the guest experience, aiming to blend immersive storytelling with modern design.
The Challenge
The exhibit space within the Space Needle posed a unique design challenge: how to create curved light boxes that would precisely follow the architecture of the circular room and guide visitors as they moved through the exhibit surrounding the upper sphere. The installation also had to meet the demands of a high-traffic tourist attraction—it needed to be durable, visually engaging, easy to maintain, and aligned with the Space Needle’s modern, high-tech identity.
The Solution
DSA engineered and installed 15 custom curved light boxes with acrylic faces, thoughtfully integrated to flow with the shape of the exhibit space and enhance the storytelling journey. The design also included interactive mounts that layered film graphics to create a dynamic, multi-level visual experience.
Key features of the solution include:
- Ultra-bright, energy-efficient LED lighting for even, vibrant backlit visuals
- Lightweight yet durable curved aluminum extrusions built to fit the exhibit’s unique architecture
- Custom-cut shapes to allow for audio integration and architectural cutouts
- Easy graphic changeouts to support ongoing content updates and seasonal themes
- Seamless integration with the surrounding environment to preserve the futuristic ambiance
The final result is a powerful blend of architecture and technology—an exhibit that celebrates the legacy of the Space Needle while elevating the visitor experience for generations to come.
Collaboration with DSA Signage
The Space Needle in Seattle stands as a West Coast icon. When Story Line Studio’s Principal, Bill Smith, was tasked with telling its story in a limited exhibit space, he partnered with DSA Signage to overcome the design challenges. Together, we brought the landmark’s narrative to life through completely custom curved light boxes that seamlessly integrated with the exhibit’s architecture. The final product provided was not a standard off the shelf DSA product, it was a brand new fabrication to the projects exact specifications. Our custom solution reflects the same engineering principles found in our Side Access Light Box.
Our Custom Curved Light Box Solutions
DSA Signage sets the standard for custom light box solutions—trusted by landmarks like the Space Needle. We help exhibitions and museums of all sizes elevate their displays with:
- Custom, durable products tailored to your design and size
- Competitive lead times
- Vivid color calibration to match your desired ambiance
- Exceptional service and dedicated account management
- Manufacturer warranty and UL listing
