Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improving a modular wall system having a first module and a second module. Each module has a vertical support component having vertical surface edge. The vertical support component edges are positioned in vertical abutting relationship. The improvement includes providing each module's vertical support component edge with a vertical support component slot. The vertical support component slots are in registry and held together by a generally U-shaped connector clip having a base and a pair of legs extending from base. The clip legs are inserted through the vertical support component slots for compressively engaging the vertical support component edges. The first module or second module may carry a wall panel, a window assembly, or a door assembly.

Abstract: Wall modules are formed with a steel upstanding support module having integrally formed vertical spaced apart support components with forwardly facing panel support surfaces. Utility channels are fabricated into the upper and lower regions of the support module and a horizontal panel lower support with an upwardly facing platform is provided about the lower portion of the module. A baseboard which is removable provides access to a lower utility channel. Thin, typically flexible panels having strip magnets adhesively bonded to the rearward surface about their periphery, are positioned such that the lower edge of the panel is abuttibly compressibly engaged with the platform and the panels are held in verticality by the magnetic interaction of the strip magnets with the flat module panel support surfaces. The decorative panel magnetic mounting approach may be expanded to preexisting facility walls utilizing a wall-borne lattice system.