Display technologies are adding evocative multimedia into every imaginable architectural space, creating new visual experiences within areas once hampered by creative restrictions.
A wide range of versatile multimedia displays are introducing unconventional shapes, colors, and interactive messaging. Increasing in popularity are transparent light emitting diode (LED) displays. Through a range of see-through screen technologies, these displays add an even greater “wow factor,” dramatically changing an area’s look and function.
Proactively engaging an experienced technology consultant can ensure novel installations are effectively integrated into a facility’s architectural design, producing a clearly unique destination.
Transparent LED displays showcase videos on large glass facades without blocking daylight or surrounding structures. Courtesy of Daktronics
At the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show, vendors unveiled their latest transparent LED media walls and displays, launching transparent technology into the mainstream.
Although called “transparent” the name is misleading — the display’s LEDs are not actually invisible. The transparent effect is created by the precise pixel placement and microscopic wiring. This generates an effect where videos can be clearly visible without blocking structures or daylight. When turned off, the viewer does not see the distraction of a black background like on a conventional LED display. Instead, they see the originally intended architectural environment.
Here is a summary of commercially available transparent surface-mounted LED and transparent organic LED (OLED) display technologies:
Simple-to-install mesh curtains are the most widely used form of this technology. Nexnovo’s pre-sized array of connected LED stick elements are meticulously arranged on a rectangular cabinet, allowing for up to 85 percent transparency. Side by side placements will create a visual effect of a full-color video screen without blocking the view in front or behind. Similarly, ClearLED’s Wall series is a modular mesh curtain plug-and-play solution, incorporating built-in power supplies and receiving cards for endless combinations without size limitations.
50-foot-tall transparent LED media wall at the Ottawa National Art Center. Left: exterior view. Right: interior view. Images courtesy of ClearLED, Inc.
These versatile LED panels have pixel pitches starting as small as 3.1 mm for an average minimum comfortable viewing distance of 15 feet. The lightweight modules feature a handle on the back, facilitating effortless assembly, disassembly, and overall handling. The rigid shape and ease of installation make these panels good choices for curtain walls, partitions, behind store windows, or in front of incoming light sources.
Similar to a mesh curtain, Daktronics’ SMD stick contains freeform LED arrays that can be combined to create custom shapes. Best placed in front of windows, walkways, and building structures, the combined SMD sticks can play high resolution colorful videos that depict clear images while maintaining 75-percent visibility through to the other side of the display.
The SMD stick’s flexibility enables unconventional designs, wrapping around corners and curved surfaces, such as elevator shafts or rounded walls. Facilities can shape and mold visual elements to suit their unique design requirements, working closely with the LED manufacturer to produce bespoke installations in front of curves and corners where video effects can enrich the area without blocking incoming light or prominent facades.
LG’s 3-mm thin Transparent LED Film can be installed on existing glass surfaces. Photo courtesy LG Electronics
Transparent LED sheets are among the latest display innovations. LG’s thin sheet of self-adhesive material is embedded with LEDs and can be affixed to a variety of surfaces. Think of it like a clear sticker dynamically changing content as it clings to windows. At 53-percent transparency, whatever is behind the window can still be seen. Other attributes include a curvature radius of 1,100 mm. Sizing can be tailored by either connecting multiple film strips together or by cutting the film with scissors. LED film is an innovative option that works for both new spaces where glass will be prominently featured or within existing spaces where glass already exists. Storefronts, balcony barriers, and sliding glass doors are all viable locations.
When a standalone screen is needed, transparent OLEDs stand out for their ability to minimize transparency, brightness, and structural concerns. Muxwave’s transparent screen is a completely transparent thin sheet of glass without keels, capable of displaying videos seamlessly. The OLEDs effectively balance information dissemination and the need for unobstructed visibility.
One fun example is Luminary Design’s augmented reality shoe configurator. The installation invites users to select their favorite combination of colors, displayed digitally onto a physical shoe.
These OLED models have the advantage of integrated cameras capable of showcasing 3D, interactive holograms without the use of glasses. Augmented reality touchscreens add an extra layer of engagement that can transform any environment into a dynamic, experiential space with increasing possibilities for hyper customization.
Transportation hubs present particularly appealing use cases. Visually captivating multimedia technology can help turn airports or rail stations into memorable destinations on their own.
Historic preservation rules, however, oftentimes restrict installations that would alter a facility’s original architectural characteristics. Another common challenge is that travel hubs have limited available real estate, limiting options for where to site large technology installations.
Transparent touchscreen displays can be placed onto train windows without obscuring outside views. Courtesy LG Display
Transparent displays do not block or alter a facility’s structures, creating an opportunity to introduce new technology within a historic space. Plus, transparent signage, films, or mesh curtains can seamlessly integrate into a facility without taking up much space — if any.
With countless application possibilities, transparent displays can yield significant benefits for transportation authorities and the traveling public. The following use cases are particularly relevant for airports, train depots, or transit stations:
An LG 14mm-pitch LED film display creates a storefront window experience for Moose Knuckles at Vancouver’s Pacific Centre shopping center. Photo courtesy iGotcha Media
When choosing among transparent display options, it is important to understand key differentiators. A few considerations to maximize a custom installation:
Transparent displays are uniquely well-suited options for adding multimedia flare, especially within spaces adhering to historic preservation or other restrictive design requirements.
Standard displays can dominate an area’s architectural composition, blocking daylight, or creating distractions when screens are turned off. Transparent displays can address these concerns, especially if design teams proactively incorporate the technology to achieve true architectural integration. The displays can be shaped, molded and programmed to suit essentially any custom application, all while maintaining visibility of the surrounding environment.
As a relatively new product on the market, transparent LED displays are likely to foster a new generation of creativity — both in terms of the technology’s design form and application as well as the pioneering of new multimedia content specifically produced and tailored for each use case.
To strategically integrate multimedia technologies, design teams should engage consultants with expertise in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) design and multimedia content development — ideally early in a project’s design process. Burns offers proven experience leveraging the capabilities of these dynamic technologies, combining systems integration and audiovisual systems engineering approaches to achieve bold, long-term multimedia solutions.