Outdoors and indoors: three distinct axes to know before designing

This question sounds simple but actually touches on a point that many organizers overlook until they encounter issues on-site. Outdoor and indoor are not just two different locations, but two completely different technical challenges. The technical challenges must be resolved first, then the visual design can follow.

First axis: structural safety

This is the biggest and non-negotiable difference. Temporary outdoor structures must withstand wind loads, and wind loads cannot be visually assessed on-site. According to The Purple Guide on temporary structures, outdoor structures must be anchored according to the wind rating of the location, and wind conditions need to be monitored with an anemometer throughout the setup and operation of the event. When wind speeds reach a dangerous threshold, specific actions must be taken, without waiting for a subjective assessment.

ANSI E1.21-2024 on temporary structures for outdoor events sets minimum design standards for load-bearing items erected outdoors. This is a legal requirement and public safety standard, not a voluntary recommendation. Safety authorities may require inspections before allowing operation.

In a building, there is no wind load, but there are other constraints: floor load, ceiling suspension systems, emergency exits, and fire safety regulations. Two environments, two sets of constraints, cannot use the same structural solution.

Materials: weather-resistant or just visually appealing?

In a building, material criteria lean towards texture and surface finish. Viewers are close, lighting is stable, and high-quality materials can showcase their advantages.

Outdoors, the first question is not "does it look good" but "does it last?" UV rays can fade materials after just a few sunny days if a UV-resistant type is not chosen. Rain can damage printed surfaces without a waterproof coating. Wind passing through a sealed surface creates significant resistance, so outdoor materials often need to be designed to allow wind to pass through or have a pressure release mechanism.

Lighting: controlled or must adapt

In a building, light is a design tool. You decide on the intensity, color, angle, and timing of the lighting. The design looks almost the same during the demo as it does when completed.

Outdoors, light is a variable. Early morning, midday, and late afternoon produce three completely different photos of the same backdrop. Colors that look accurate in the studio may shift when exposed to direct sunlight. Designs need to be tested under various lighting conditions, not just viewed on a screen.

Temporary outdoor structures must be anchored according to the wind rating of the location. Wind conditions need to be monitored with measuring devices, and specific actions must be taken when there is a risk of being blown over.

The Purple Guide: Temporary Demountable Structures

Common errors when transferring designs from one space to another

• Taking an indoor backdrop design outdoors without reconsidering the structure and anchoring. If it encounters strong winds, it may topple or tear, posing risks not only to the material but also to the safety of attendees.
• No tracking of each destination as a separate dependency, so when one province falls behind schedule, it goes unnoticed.
• Choose materials based on indoor aesthetic criteria; exposure to sunlight for a few days can cause fading or deformation.
• Do not prepare a backup plan for weather. Heavy rain or strong winds can disrupt the entire operational scenario, with no plan B to handle it.
• Forget to check the design in the actual lighting conditions of the location, designs that look good in the morning may fade in the afternoon backlight.

Sinh Vũ's viewpoint

In Sinh Vũ's working process, the real space is discussed right from the brief and concept stage. This means the question "indoors or outdoors" is not the final question but the first question, as it determines the entire direction of design structure and materials from that point onward.

Sinh Vũ's operational perspective: outdoor safety is the primary concern, aesthetics come second. The structural integrity and safety verification for outdoor projects are the responsibility of specialized units with expertise in temporary structures. Sinh Vũ closely collaborates with that unit to ensure the visual and brand aspects are realized correctly within the validated technical constraints, not exceeding or bypassing those constraints.

For events with both indoor and outdoor areas: Sinh Vũ separates technical criteria for each area but maintains a consistent visual concept throughout. Guests moving from outside to inside still recognize the same brand, even though the technical solutions in the two areas are completely different.