A Future with Low Energy Signage
About Instructor
The same technology that has brought libraries of books to our pockets, and allows us to switch on our central heating from the train, offers new opportunities to help cities communicate with people and to develop entirely new and better services. The much cited “internet of things” hasn’t yet delivered on the promise of wholesale new and improved services. However through low-energy signage it could begin to quietly change the way our cities are understood, read and communicate with citizens and the economy. From way-finding to safety, advertising to transport, the humble signpost, in it’s many forms, has remained the staple and static channel through which cities present information.
As technology develops, the same material that powers the display on an e-reader or some smartwatches is becoming available for use in the urban context. These crisp, high-contrast displays use a system which uses no energy at all in order to display static information. In addition, these displays are not obtrusive – they produce no light, meaning they might be better suited to sensitive heritage areas like parks or historic sites. An additional benefit in these areas, is the potential to reduce the clutter of multiple notices down to one, dynamic display tool!
We focus on growing businesses with innovations in mobility services and the built environment that enable new levels of physical, digital and social connectedness. The Connected Places Catapult operates at the intersection between public and private sectors and between local government and transport authorities. We convene the disparate parts of the market to help innovators navigate the complexity of doing business, creating new commercial opportunities and improving productivity, socio-economic and environmental benefits for places. Find out more.
About the filmmaker, Christian Schmeer
Coming from a background in visual communication, his approach to filmmaking is meticulous and multi-disciplinary, shaping visuals and content with a conscientious attitude to composition, timing, motion cadence, and the treatment of colour.
Christian’s work has been featured by WIRED, Dezeen, Vimeo Staff Picks, The Guardian, Dazed Digital, Creative Review, Co.Design, among others, and screened at Film Festivals internationally.