what if 2D printing was used not to apply text or patterns, but rather to strengthen, reinforce? reexamining the meaning and purpose of printing, japanese design studio TAKT PROJECT presents a series of lantern-like paper structures called ‘pecopaco’. those three dimensional objects were in fact created through two dimensional printing, hence opening up new possibilities for this sort of technique.

TAKT PROJECT pecopaco paper lanterns designboom
the lantern-like structure can take on an organic shape
(above and main) image © masayuki hayashi

 

 

TAKT project has taken thin paper, too delicate to stand on its own, and supported it with a skeleton-like framework created with UV printing. as a result, the characteristic thickness offered by this technique reinforces the fragile paper — allowing it to stand on its own as a 3D structure. while traditional japanese lanterns are made by covering thin strips of bamboo with paper, pecopaco cones are created simply by printing  them unto paper which can even be configured into different shapes. finally, given how the design of the reinforced framework is computer-based, a high degree of freedom is afforded when shaping the structures simply by altering the digital data.

TAKT PROJECT pecopaco paper lanterns designboom
UV printing creates thick enough paper that can stand on its own
image © masayuki hayashi

TAKT PROJECT pecopaco paper lanterns designboom
pecopaco series is easily collapsible
image © masayuki hayashi

TAKT PROJECT pecopaco paper lanterns designboom
detail of printed patterns
image © masayuki hayashi

TAKT PROJECT pecopaco paper lanterns designboom
the flexibility of the objects allow them to take on a stair-like configuration
image © masayuki hayashi

TAKT PROJECT pecopaco paper lanterns designboom
unlike traditional japanese lanterns, paper becomes the base structure instead of bamboo
image © masayuki hayashi

TAKT PROJECT pecopaco paper lanterns designboom
TAKT PROJECT pecopaco lanterns come with different color palettes
image © masayuki hayashi

TAKT PROJECT pecopaco paper lanterns designboom
pecopaco can also be used as a lantern
image © masayuki hayashi

TAKT PROJECT pecopaco paper lanterns designboom
combining lighting effects with the foldable quality of the structure
image © masayuki hayashi

TAKT PROJECT pecopaco paper lanterns designboom
before printing: paper is extremely thin and is easily tearable

TAKT PROJECT pecopaco paper lanterns designboom
UV printing being performed on delicate papers

 

 

project info:

 

title: pecopaco

designTAKT PROJECT
client
MONOPURI

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom