The secret life of scaffolding and its role in urban art

For centuries, scaffolding has been the unseen backbone of construction, maintenance and restoration projects across the globe. Temporary by design, functional in nature and rarely noticed unless as an inconvenience, scaffolding is typically treated as a necessary visual blight, or as an unfortunate side effect that is keeping our buildings alive – but that may no longer be the case, writes John Ridgeway.

In recent years, a quiet transformation has been taking place. Scaffolding, once relegated to the background, has begun to take centre stage in cities around the world. Artists, architects, developers and cultural institutions are increasingly recognising its potential not just as a support structure, but as an artistic medium, a narrative tool and even a symbol of resilience. In some cases, scaffolding has become so integrated into a building's public identity that it’s hard to imagine the project without it.

As urban spaces become more densely packed and communities more connected to their built environments, the appearance and function of scaffolding have come under greater scrutiny. Rather than simply hiding construction, scaffolding is being reimagined - as a canvas, a cultural landmark, or a storytelling device. This change reflects a broader understanding that urban infrastructure, no matter how temporary, is now part of the lived experience for a city’s inhabitants and visitors - and there are plenty of examples to support that statement.

For example, during a recent major expansion and refurbishment phase, the Tate Modern in London, faced the challenge of maintaining its cultural prominence even while hidden by construction works. Instead of blandly covering the work site, they turned scaffolding mesh into a giant exhibition space. Printed reproductions of famous artworks and innovative graphic designs wrapped the building, making the scaffolding an extension of the museum experience itself.

In Paris and known for its experimental spirit, the Palais de Tokyo took scaffolding integration to a new an immersive level. During the "Nouvelles Vagues" exhibition, temporary structures were not hidden or minimised. Instead, they were incorporated directly into installations. Visitors navigated scaffold mazes and explored spaces where construction and creativity intertwined, dissolving the boundary between artwork and infrastructure.

Another French example is The Centre Pompidou, renowned for its inside-out design which, showcases mechanical systems, elevators and pipework on the exterior of the building. During maintenance phases, scaffolding structures often mirrored and complemented this aesthetic rather than detracting from it. Rather than an eyesore, the additional layers of scaffolding seemed to accentuate the industrial, kinetic energy of the space.

Kobe Earthquake Memorial (Japan)

Following the devastating Kobe earthquake in 1995, certain sites left scaffolding structures in place, not only for safety, but as poignant memorials to the event. The bare frames served as stark symbols of both destruction and resilience, embodying the city's commitment to recovery and remembrance. In this case, scaffolding was not just practical - it became a powerful piece of public memory.

On the other side of the world, when the historic Berlin Stadtschloss was reconstructed, the building was shrouded in enormous printed screens stretched over scaffolding. These screens depicted photo-realistic images of what the final reconstruction would look like. Passersby could literally "see the future," creating excitement and emotional investment in the project.

All this means that scaffolding now serves as a communication bridge between the built environment and the public. Artistic treatments or community-based projects using scaffolding can maintain goodwill during long construction phases, offering residents and visitors a sense of involvement and pride rather than inconvenience and detachment.

Cultural institutions, retailers and even local authorities can use scaffolding to reinforce their brands. Whether through striking visuals, clever messaging, or curated displays, scaffolding provides high-visibility.

This recognises that our towns and cities are not just collections of buildings, they are potentially, collections of stories. Scaffolding offers a platform for telling these stories during periods of change. Whether conveying the historical significance of a site, the aspirations behind a new project, or simply offering whimsical art, scaffolding can serve as a medium that connects people.

With sustainability a growing concern, scaffolding can also serve as a visible testament to a project’s green credentials. Banners can advertise future energy-saving measures, highlight sustainable materials being used, or even serve as vertical gardens and green walls that temporarily beautify construction sites.

Scaffolding as a medium of urban expression

Increasingly, temporary structures like scaffolding are not just being decorated - they are being designed to support additional uses such as temporary exhibition spaces created within scaffold frameworks. Modular planters attached to scaffolding can also be used to create green corridors. Instead of disappearing after their functional purpose is fulfilled, scaffold structures can further contribute to urban vibrancy throughout their lifespan.

Of course, the transformation of scaffolding into urban art is not without its challenges. Wrapping scaffolding in art or custom-designed cladding materials requires additional investment. Building codes and safety regulations must always come first and not every artistic idea will pass inspection.

It must also be said that not every community will embrace unconventional uses of construction sites. Some may prefer a more traditional, understated approach. Artistic installations also require maintenance, particularly if exposed to the elements for months or years. Yet despite these challenges, the trend continues to grow, driven by both a desire to enhance the urban environment and a recognition of scaffolding’s underappreciated potential.

Given the billions of pounds invested annually in construction and refurbishment across the UK and Europe, the potential canvas for scaffolding-as-art is vast. In London alone, dozens of major building projects involving extensive scaffolding are underway at any given time. Globally, the construction scaffolding market is expected to exceed $65 billion by 2030.

This means that there will be countless opportunities to rethink how we interact with our temporary cityscapes. In an age where branding, storytelling and civic pride are paramount, ignoring the potential of scaffolding to contribute to urban identity is a missed opportunity.

A vision for the future

Just imagine for a moment, a future where every construction site doubles as an art installation. Where every building wrapped in scaffolding contributes not to a sense of blight, but to a sense of excitement. Where construction sites feel less like interruptions and more like active participants in the life of a city. Scaffolding has always been about building something. Now, it can also be about building meaning.

Architects and developers could one day plan artistic scaffolding interventions into project timelines from the outset, treating them not as add-ons, but as integral elements. Public art agencies could commission temporary scaffold installations. Local governments could offer incentives for creative construction site management, recognising that beautified scaffolding enhances tourism, retail foot traffic and civic pride.

So the next time you walk past a building shrouded in scaffolding, look closer. Imagine the stories it could tell, the beauty it could reveal, the community it could inspire. Scaffolding does not have to be an eyesore. It does not have to be invisible. It can be a mirror, a memory, a message. It can be a sign of a city in motion, a work in progress not just structurally, but culturally.