TAKT PROJECT shapes versatile paper cones with UV printing

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.

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.

UV printing creates thick enough paper that can stand on its own
image © masayuki hayashi

pecopaco series is easily collapsible
image © masayuki hayashi

detail of printed patterns
image © masayuki hayashi

the flexibility of the objects allow them to take on a stair-like configuration
image © masayuki hayashi

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

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

pecopaco can also be used as a lantern
image © masayuki hayashi

combining lighting effects with the foldable quality of the structure
image © masayuki hayashi

before printing: paper is extremely thin and is easily tearable

UV printing being performed on delicate papers

project info:

title: pecopaco

design：TAKT 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