What a Mesh!

“Architects are constantly concerned with media facades,” says Stephan Kufferath, director of GKD Metal Fabrics. “They are useful for the intelligent illumination of buildings, effective in transmitting important messages, and lucrative when sold as advertising space.” Kufferath’s latest product—a large-scale display called Mediamesh—combines semitranslucent stainless-steel mesh with LED lights. When applied to the facade of a building, the illuminated display is readable both by day and by night; when it is not lit up, the mesh functions as a decorative light-reflecting screen that affords those inside the building a clear view from their windows.

Seen from a distance of 60 feet or more, the human eye fills in the gaps between the tubular bulbs, which form an oversized image. Depending on the spacing of the LEDs, it is possible to achieve a striking effect with fewer bulbs than conventional screens. “Standard LED boards are extremely expensive, and they don’t look as nice when not in use,” Kufferath says. When dormant, Mediamesh provides a silk- screen-like look that is more attractive than the blank black boxes that are left with standard boards.

Thanks to a software program developed by Ag4 Mediatecture, users will be able to swap out static or video images within 24 hours simply by contacting GKD. A mock-up facade on Ag4’s building in Cologne has generated a great deal of interest; the first permanent facade is expected by late 2006.

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Mediamesh

Composition:
Stainless-steel mesh woven with tubes containing programmable LED lights

Applications:
Mediamesh can be used outdoors on a building facade, billboard, or Jum-botron and indoors on a ceiling or large partition screen. It is appropriate for sports arenas, casinos, and convention centers.

Properties:
The wall can be built to any length and can measure up to 26 feet wide. Software accompanying the display allows the user to change the color, image, or message via the Internet.

U.S. Distributor:
GKD-USA Inc.
825 Chesapeake Drive
Cambridge, Maryland 21613