The Safety Science Wall: A Story Told in Panels
At the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM), a long corridor has turned into something much more than a passageway — it’s now a living visual story about the history of safety science.
The wall was designed and produced by the Graphics Department at the TU Delft New Media Centre (NMC), in close collaboration with Rioshar Yarveisy, a postdoctoral researcher in the Safety and Security Science section of the Faculty of Technology, Policy, and Management.
The idea was to make the evolution of safety science visible — from the Industrial Revolution to the present day — in a way that anyone walking through the corridor could easily understand and enjoy.
From idea to design
The project began with a concept developed by Rioshar Yarveisy, who approached the NMC Graphics team for help turning it into a professional visual installation. The team quickly saw the potential: this wasn’t just another infographic — it was something closer to a magazine on a wall, blending text, photography, infographics, and historical posters into one continuous story.
The NMC designer responsible for the project, Cok Francken, created six large panels, each representing a different time period. The first panel measured about 1.2 meters, while the last stretched to an impressive 3.5 meters. Because of its size, the last one had to be printed in two pieces and carefully joined together — a technical challenge that required close coordination with the print studio.
Each panel combines visuals and information in a unique way, gradually showing how the discipline of safety science grew and changed over time. For example, the 1930–1950 section, featuring beautifully restored historic safety posters alongside data and imagery from that era.
“ People are just passing by. So we had to catch their attention and keep the design as balanced as possible.”
Attention to detail
To make the archival material look its best, the team used AI tools to enhance image quality while preserving the original feel of the posters. The panels were printed on Dibond (aluminum composite) — a durable, smooth surface ideal for long-term installation — ensuring the wall will stay in great condition for years to come.
One of the biggest challenges was fitting all the text and visuals into a format that remained readable in a narrow corridor. As Cok Francken explained, “People are just passing by. So we had to catch their attention and keep the design as balanced as possible.”
The project later expanded when the wall was adapted into magazine centerfolds for publication — this time in Dutch, which meant some new editing and layout adjustments.
A Collaboration that tells a story
The Safety Science Wall was a large, complex project that brought together researchers, designers, and printers to tell a shared story visually. It’s now one of the largest and most detailed design pieces produced by the NMC Graphics Department in recent years.
The wall is now a visual archive — a way of communicating science through design. It shows how collaboration between researchers and designers can turn complex information into something engaging, accessible, and lasting. As Cok Francken summed it up, “It was a perfect co-production.”
Graphic Design: Cok Francken
Author: Irina Tripping
