Besides this show, the letters themselves are illuminated from below, from the building across the street, and from behind the wall to bring attention to the structure and create a lively, visual element to the complex itself. The design team wanted to avoid internally illuminated sign construction and surface-mounted lighting. The fabrication Each letter, weighing approximately 5,000 pounds, was crane-lifted on to the building and then welded. Therefore, designers paid much attention to the construction of the letters and the method of attachment. Because the building is designed to become a city landmark, strength and durability were also key design points.
Ultrasonic testing involves shooting a sound pulse into the steel and waiting for the pulse's echo.
Depending on how quickly the echo returns, and in what form, one can determine if there are any defects. Using a large site crane, installers lifted the letters in pieces and welded them to the wall's steel facade. The letters are spaced approximately 12 feet apart, and the tops of the letters actually extend above the wall by more than 3 feet. Phase two of the sign installation involved a series of aluminum banners, placed at ground level underneath The Great Wall. The double-sided banners are decorated with digitally printed vinyl and act as a design element rather than as directional or identification signage.