Large outdoor sculpture, printed in sections
We fabricate public sculpture for artists, business districts and cultural organizations: temporary plaza pieces, seasonal installations and works for public atriums and forecourts. We translate the artist's design into sections, internal structure and a painted finish that can stand in the city for its program.
What we make for public spaces
- Temporary sculpture for a plaza or pedestrian space
- Seasonal installations for a neighborhood or holiday program
- Suspended or floor works for a public atrium or lobby
- Pieces people can sit on or walk around
- A series of pieces along a route or trail
Outdoor sculpture: what PETG can do
Everything is printed in white or clear PETG, then sanded, primed and painted. For outdoor work we seal the paint with a UV-protective coat. That combination suits temporary and seasonal installs well. We will be straight with you about the rest: sun, rain, freeze-thaw and the public all take a toll, and a piece meant to stay outdoors for years needs a case-by-case review of form, site and upkeep before we say yes.
Built for the street
City sites are tough. Pieces sit on uneven pavement, get leaned on and sat on, and see summer heat. We plan the base, drainage and anchoring or ballast for the actual site, favour lighter colours such as 04 Signal or 01 Ivory where sun is strong and coordinate with engineers where structural sign-off is needed.
For temporary programs, pieces are designed to install and remove quickly with minimal impact on the site. Throughout a run we provide care and inspection guidance, so the commissioning team knows when to clean or touch up. Where a choice affects how the work looks, from seam placement to sheen, we bring it back to the artist.
Indoor public spaces
Not every public commission is outside. Atriums, public halls and covered forecourts suit printed sculpture especially well, and suspended pieces such as a giant paper plane are light enough to rig from above with the right engineering.
How it works
- Share the site, the artwork and the program dates.
- We review structure, coatings and anchoring with you, then quote.
- We supply material and construction details for your approval submissions.
- We print, finish and pre-assemble.
- We install on site and hand over care guidance.
What to send us
For a public project, send:
- Artist renderings, models or sketches
- Site plans, photos and ground conditions
- Duration: weeks, a season or longer
- Who will interact with it and how
- Program dates and approval timeline
Read about PETG, paint and protective coats on our materials page. Artists can also see art fabrication for artists, and indoor cultural programs 3D printing for museums and exhibitions. Then send the project through Start a print.
Questions
Can 3D printed sculpture go outdoors in New York?
For temporary and seasonal installs, yes: PETG, painted and sealed with a UV-protective coat, on a properly anchored base. We will be straight about how long a piece should stay out.
Can a printed sculpture stay outdoors permanently?
Long-term outdoor work needs a case-by-case review of the form, the site and the upkeep plan before we commit. Tell us the intended duration early.
Do you handle permits?
Permits and site approvals usually sit with the artist, the commissioning body or the property owner. We provide the material, structure and installation details they need.
Can people sit on or touch a public sculpture?
It can be designed for that, with internal framing, rounded edges, a tough coating and a secure base. Structural review by an engineer may be needed.