Large Scale Distance Printing
We print on large surfaces. House walls, glass facades, and rocks are our paper. From a distance of up to 12 meters, the artwork is applied shot by shot onto the surface — making it possible to print on targets that would typically be inaccessible. Monumental dot-prints emerge, up to 8 meters in height and 10 meters in width*. We use paint with varying ultraviolet resistance, so our prints can be either permanent or temporary to create an image for a limited time.
Current technologies for large scale communication tend to produce clean and flawless presentations. The Facadeprinter defies this trend and attracts attention by producing images that are unique and unconventional.
* Wider prints are possible; for example it would be possible to cover several houses or a long stretch of wall by shifting the Facadeprinter.
Live Performance
The Facadeprinter in action is a great spectacle - the image gradually appears on the wall as if drawn with a "magic pen". The dichotomy between the aggression of the machine and the gradual appearance of the image makes the machine's process of marking and drawing a visually striking performance. This spectacle affords the use of the Facadeprinter for developing installations, stage and show concepts. In connection with music, architecture or other forms of art, the Facadeprinter is a powerful new communication tool. For example a backdrop of a stage can be printed during a concert or performance, a sporting event can be highlighted or an element of interest introduced to an event or trade show. Every live performance is carefully planned to meet all requirements regarding security and the framework of the event.
Outlook | Communication in a Crisis
The Facadeprinter can be integrated into post-disaster relief efforts. The machine’s printing process allows the quick installation of new visual communication displays. For example, the locations of medical facilities, sources of fresh water supply, danger zones or collection points can be marked for effective communication.
We developed this concept for the International Design Forum of the Japan Design Foundation (JDF) in Osaka. The Scenario: A fatal disaster strikes a city, causing widespread suffering and a loss of orientation in the chaos. Printing instructions onto walls provides orientation and information, affording an effective and economical method of assisting agencies and organizations in post-disaster relief efforts. The ‘Communication in Crisis’ concept is based on a Facadeprinter which is mounted on a car. This use is especially practical in light of the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti, particularly in the urban area of Port Au Prince.
