These simulated aluminum panels were made to match the corridors originally made for Star Trek: The Motion Picture. During the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, real aluminum paneling was used. The problem was that the real aluminum scratched easily and was difficult to repair. Beginning with the second season, the aluminum was painted over. This not only looked a little better on camera, but it allowed for some panels (like these) to be made from wood to match the original aluminum panels.