Urban Design: Street Art

Defined as unsolicited marking on private or public property, graffiti dates back to antiquity. Today, through strength of image, social relevance, and vibrant expertise the work of many street artists has achieved the high echelon of art form, publicly admired and sought after for private and community projects. Whether salvaged from demolitions or commissioned for specific projects, street art contributes a dynamic visual element to any venue and enjoys a wide audience for a variety of reasons. Here are a few examples of the use of graffiti in IA design solutions.  

LinkedIn Wall Mural with CatLinkedIn, Toronto. Photo © Eric Laignel.

For this mural, IA gave one of Toronto’s most prolific and popular street artists, Uber5000, the project design brief: for the modern professional who loves to work and play equally, bring city and country life indoors with a Toronto feel for an exciting, quirky, and fun environment.



Graffiti Wall at LinkedIn ChicagoLinkedIn, Chicago. Photo © Eric Laignel.

In Chicago, IA commissioned award-winning artist and community leader Chris Silva, a significant force in the development of Chicago’s urban art, to create a whimsical, Chicago-themed mural.



Large graffiti mural, Seattle.Confidential Client, Seattle.

For this client, an advocate for repurposing, sustainability, and community, salvaging graffiti as art from the demolition site earmarked for its new headquarters was no surprise.



Large graffiti installation, Seattle.Confidential Client, Seattle © Sherman Takata.

Several works were selected for the new headquarters.



All Def Digital graffiti artwork.All Def Digital, Los Angeles. Photo © Benny Chan.

For Los Angeles-based All Def Digital, a multi-platform media company focused on hip-hop, comedy, and social justice, graffiti art was a natural.



Street art brings a dynamic energy to this work area.All Def Digital, Los Angeles. Photo © Benny Chan.

Street art brings a dynamic energy to this work area.