Oat Foundry Unveils Chroma Flap Kinetic Wall for Dynamic Spaces

Oat Foundry has launched the Chroma Flap, a cutting-edge modular kinetic wall installation aimed at architects and interior designers. This innovative system allows for the creation of animated, color-based displays that can transform commercial and public spaces. The Chroma Flap utilizes mechanical flipping elements to generate dynamic patterns, gradients, images, and data visualizations across a three-dimensional wall surface.

The design of Chroma Flap draws on the familiar mechanical movement found in Oat Foundry’s split-flap displays, often seen in transportation boards and analog signage. The company envisions this installation as a captivating feature within environments such as building lobbies, airports, train stations, and cultural institutions.

Engaging Visual Experiences

The Chroma Flap operates through Oat Foundry’s content management platform, known as Portal. This system enables users to upload images, brand assets, and data visualizations, which are then transformed into pixel-style animations displayed on the wall. Additionally, users have the flexibility to schedule different visual displays throughout the day, allowing the installation to adapt to the changing activity levels within a space.

Zach Wallace, Engineering Project Manager at Oat Foundry, highlighted the intention behind the installation. He stated, “A lobby, a train station, an airport—all can be bland spaces we forget quickly. Chroma Flap creates a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression.” This focus on transforming ordinary spaces into engaging visual experiences is a key aspect of the installation’s design philosophy.

Customization and Connectivity

The modularity of the Chroma Flap system allows for various sizes and layouts, making it versatile for different architectural contexts. It can be recessed into walls, surface-mounted, or integrated into custom architectural framing, offering flexibility to designers. Furthermore, the system can connect to external data sources via an application programming interface, enabling real-time data visualizations that enhance the interactive aspect of the display.

Oat Foundry’s commitment to quality is evident as the installation is both engineered and manufactured at its headquarters in Philadelphia. The company has established a reputation for producing kinetic architectural installations and analog signage systems. Their portfolio includes custom displays for notable clients, such as Gensler, Google, Samsung, Netflix, Nike, Starbucks, and Nespresso.

As Oat Foundry continues to innovate in the field of interactive design, the Chroma Flap represents a significant advancement in how visual elements can engage and inspire in everyday environments. The potential for this installation to create unique, memorable experiences in high-traffic areas is a promising development for the architectural community.