UniFi for Art Galleries: Spazio Amanita Case Study
Introduction
Spazio Amanita is a boutique art gallery in Lower Manhattan. It occupies an oddly shaped space and wanted flawless Wi-Fi without visible wires. The owners needed a rapid installation to match their grand reopening date. They chose The UniFi Nerds because we promised to meet that deadline and preserve the gallery’s clean aesthetic. Our team delivered a professional network solution that exceeded their expectations.
Project Overview
The team at Spazio Amanita had clear goals. They wanted wireless connectivity that never failed, and they required a wire-free look for both gallery patrons and staff. During the reopening, many visitors would roam the space while streaming content or handling transactions. Stability was paramount, and every device needed reliable internet access. Old Meraki gear had struggled to provide the consistency they demanded.
Installation had to happen swiftly. The gallery’s scheduled launch date left little time for delays, so we combined virtual planning with efficient on-site work. These constraints pushed us to craft a robust network design that blended seamlessly into the building’s interior.
Planning and Assessment for UniFi for Art Galleries
We held two Zoom walkthroughs to plan the layout. Ongoing construction in the space meant we had to revise our approach more than once. Using video calls, we explored potential wiring routes and identified walls or rafters where cables might run undetected. Our team outlined precise spots to hide or embed lines, ensuring the final result would meet the client’s zero-visibility requirement.
We also considered interference sources. Galleries often contain large metal fixtures, changing displays, and unique architecture. Our technicians selected U6 Mesh access points for their flexibility. Mesh units can cover tricky corners or odd angles without losing signal strength. The design aimed to minimize hardware footprints while maximizing reliability.
UniFi Hardware Choices
Our final plan included:
- UniFi Dream Machine (UDM): This served as the main controller, security gateway, and advanced router. It allowed for centralized network management.
- U6 Mesh Access Points: These APs provided high-speed, dual-band coverage in multiple zones. We chose mesh units to cover potential blind spots in the gallery’s layout.
- 8-Port UniFi PoE Switch: The switch powered the access points and any wired devices that might join the network. It also gave us an easy way to add security cameras or other PoE devices in the future.
Everything connected through the UDM’s intuitive interface, which simplified updates and troubleshooting. This unified ecosystem guaranteed stable performance and seamless roaming, even during crowded events or peak usage times.
Major Challenges
Hiding the wires posed the biggest obstacle. The gallery’s 18-foot rafters offered limited options for cable runs. We had to keep the interior pristine, so random cables could not drape along walls or ceilings. Some corners were tight, and existing fixtures left little room for standard cable trays. Another challenge involved finishing before the reopening deadline, which left no buffer for delays.
Fortunately, the advanced planning paid off. We had a clear view of potential cable paths from our Zoom calls. Our on-site crew arrived with a step-by-step plan to route lines through walls and into high rafters. Still, we had to adapt in real time when we discovered hidden beams and structural elements.
Implementation and Cable Management – UniFi for Art Galleries
Once we arrived, we set up our tools for discrete cable routing. We threaded wires into walls and above metal rafters at 18 feet high. Any visible sections needed to blend in with the gallery’s color scheme, so we used paintable conduit in a few tight spots. Most of the lines disappeared entirely, which let the gallery preserve its aesthetic.
We then placed the U6 Mesh APs at strategic heights to ensure strong signals across the gallery. The 8-port PoE switch sat in a back room, near the UniFi Dream Machine. Together, they delivered both power and data to each mesh access point. The final check involved speed tests in all corners of the gallery, confirming that every device connected seamlessly to the network.
Project Outcome
Spazio Amanita reopened on time, equipped with flawless wireless coverage and an uncluttered look. Visitors and employees noted the reliable signal and quick speeds. Art patrons moved throughout the gallery while streaming audio guides and checking digital exhibits without lag. Staff members used the Wi-Fi for point-of-sale transactions and inventory tracking.
Our cable runs remained invisible. The overhead rafters concealed the wiring, and the walls showed no sign of data lines. The client never had to compromise on the gallery’s clean design. By using mesh access points, we eliminated any interference issues in the odd angles and corners. Spazio Amanita now has a stable, low-maintenance system that can grow alongside new exhibits or technology needs.
Client Feedback
The gallery team was thrilled we met their tight schedule. They also appreciated that we stayed within budget without cutting corners. The owner mentioned relief at having zero wires disrupt the aesthetic. They had experienced multiple service calls with their old Meraki setup, but the new UniFi system has remained trouble-free since December 2023. Spazio Amanita now feels confident hosting digital art installations or interactive exhibits.
Key Lessons
This installation shows how mesh-capable UniFi devices handle challenging layouts. Even in uniquely shaped rooms, a well-planned mesh network eliminates dead zones and clutter. Proper cable routing ensures nothing distracts visitors from the art. In many cases, UniFi outperforms competing systems like Meraki due to advanced features and flexible hardware options.
We also learned that consistent communication with the client speeds up tricky installations. By conducting multiple Zoom assessments, we avoided confusion later. When faced with aggressive deadlines, proactive planning becomes crucial. A quick and organized approach enabled us to finish before the gallery’s reopening date. UniFi for Art Galleries is a perfect fit.
Conclusion
Spazio Amanita stands as a prime example of discreet, high-performance UniFi deployment in a boutique art gallery. We balanced form and function, delivering invisible cabling and mesh coverage for patrons and staff. The gallery met its reopening deadline with no last-minute setbacks, and visitors now enjoy a smooth, stable network. If you own a unique commercial space, The UniFi Nerds can create a similarly robust solution. Contact us for a free consultation, and discover how a carefully designed UniFi system can enhance your venue without compromising aesthetics.
