Can we create environments that are pleasing and informative with an eco-friendly emphasis?
We deal with a push/pull in our lives and communities. We want more things and then we strive to de-clutter. The simple meaning of the word “sustainable” according to the dictionary is “able to be maintained at a certain rate or level”. But what we are facing in our communities is how to lower pollution, landfills, carbon emissions yet at the same time grow prosperous connected communities. We want to grow our communities yet decrease our environmental impact. The challenge we are facing today in our communities is to improve our environment without further straining our systems. To produce, without creating waste.
By Subtracting to Adding
A new innovative service now available in Minnesota offers a solution to creating exciting graphics for your space and being eco-friendly.
WallPossible.com uses the latest technology of vertical printing to create stunning 3D looking wall graphics. We do this without using any vinyl or paper type product that will impact the environment in a negative way. By subtracting the material usage, we are adding to the environmental experience and sustainability by using a novel solution.
"Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful." - John Maeda (Vice President of Design and Artificial Intelligence at Microsoft)
Old School Traditional Graphics
Traditional graphic applications include painting by hand, using stencils, or applying pre-printed wallpapers or vinyl decals and stickers. These often require multiple materials and waste. The material option has issues of seam matching of long designs, peeling, bubbling, and contaminants adhering to the material.
Conventional painting and the application of wallpapers can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring several layers and drying/curing times. Hand painting and stencils have limitations in terms of precision and repeatability. By removing the “middleman” of vinyls and similar material and printing directly on the wall, the WallPossible alternative is customizable, quicker, cleaner and less wasteful.
Cleaner Simpler Option: Vertical Wall Printing
Our vertical wall printer is equipped with a vertically mounted rail or track system that guides a printing head as it moves along a track horizontally. The printer head, with computer precision, sprays ink directly onto the wall, based on the processing of the digital artwork. The system adjusts to surface irregularities, ensuring that the ink adheres correctly and the image retains beautiful color. We use the printer technology on a variety of materials such as metal, glass, wood, and dry wall.
We use UV-cured inks, which dry almost instantly when applied. This quick drying allows for the layering of colors and intricate detailing without the risk of smudging. Wall printing significantly shortens the project time period of graphic installation as the printer does not need to wait for curing time. This contrasts with traditional wall decal installation which may need to wait weeks for the wall to off-gas and the new paint to fully cure before applying decals.
The technology is driven by advanced software that converts digital images into precise print instructions, ensuring that the design is replicated exactly as intended on the wall. Since we have the computer data we know how long the print will take. We monitor print progress with a handheld device as the system is running.
Get out of the Box
We no longer need to be constrained to rectangular rolls for graphics because that’s the machine size at the factory. We can create detailed graphics with shading and 3D effects so realistic looking that you have to double check if it’s 2D or 3D. We can also supplement with metal design components to create an actual 3D display.
Improving our Spaces and Places
Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) or also known as Experiential Graphic Design includes a variety of elements with the goal of enhancing people’s experiences in specific spaces through the use of visual elements. People are asking more of their environments, depending on the use of the space, the Environmental Graphic Design goal may vary. Office space design may mean displaying a company mission statement on the walls and engaging graphics to facilitate team discourse. Commercial spaces may incorporate design which promotes people’s health, well-being and inclusion. It’s easy to include brand logos in prominent spaces to help build visibility and company brand loyalty.
The Green Impact
Our exciting high tech graphics, using vertical wall printing technology, offers a more eco-friendly, sustainable solution. There is the reduction in waste (often PVC material type waste) because there is no need for excess materials. The inks we use are low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to traditional paints. When the graphic image needs to be changed, just repaint the wall and have another amazing wall graphic placed on it using WallPossible services.
LEED the Way
Many companies go the extra mile toward their sustainability goals. LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary rating system put out by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Reducing wasteful materials and using innovative technology like WallPossible services for graphic applications can help in the LEED certification objectives.
Not Final Word
So, can we create environments that are pleasing and informative with an eco-friendly emphasis? I say YES!
This is not a final word but the start of the conversation. What can we (dare I say you) do in small and larger ways to create an optimal space? We can all make small changes that together create large movements. Please share this new and innovative technology to remove the middle waste and create exciting art directly on walls. To see the process in operation take a look at WallPossible.com
By Patricia Haug
WallPossible.com
You may also like
Materials Matter: Sustainable Choices for Home Construction
Building the Future: Exploring Sustainable Material Choices for Commercial Office Spaces
Top 6 Sustainable and Durable Materials for Home Construction
Ways to Make Commercial Buildings Sustainable