Analog Lookbook, Issue VII

ANALOG

BUILT TO LAST

Our signs are designed to withstand the test of time. We have had one of our original Split Flaps testing in our shop for almost 34 million rotations (completing a cycle from Flap #1 to Flap #50).

For a Split Flap installation that updates frequently and operates all day and everyday, 34 million rotations is equivalent to about 20 to 30 years of average use. Signs that update a few times per hour and for 50 hours per week can flip for 250+ years before seeing 34 million rotations.

CONTENTS

BY MARK KUHN

BY SEAN ROSSITER

BY COLLEEN WILSON

BY SARAH VAN BEMMEL

BY MARK KUHN

BY MATT KELLY

BY KRISTY BRUNHOFER

FOREWORD

Welcome to Analog!

At Oat Foundry, our “why” revolves around three key driving principles: to build stuff that’s never been made before, stuff that’s helpful, and stuff that makes people say “Damn. That’s cool.” These guiding principles form the foundation of our approach and drive our dedication to crafting distinctive, purposeful, and memorable analog experiences.

As we continue to innovate and evolve, we’re excited to share how we’ve taken our classic Split Flap displays and transformed them into even more versatile and customizable solutions. As captured on our cover, Oat Foundry has created an incredible amount of tailored designs: Pantone-matched sheet metal, custom printed fonts, beautiful brand logos and emojis – and we are just getting started. Split Flaps and Picture Flaps adapt to any environment, from bustling airports to cozy coffee shops to landmark-style centerpieces – we have turned all of those visions into reality.

In our quest to stay true to our “why,” we’re bursting with ideas for not only groundbreaking products that will reshape the way we interact with the world around us, but also myriad ways to make our current products even better. We are exploring new frontiers in analog technology and blending them with modern aesthetics to create visually stunning and functional designs that will leave you and your customers in awe.

Our commitment to our “why” goes beyond our products. We have taken steps to reduce our environmental footprint by incorporating eco-friendly materials and processes into both our product designs and our entire supply chain. For example, our beautiful Picture Flaps use MAPAL Plastics – a 100% fully recyclable polypropylene. This material is easier to recycle than many other plastics, using less energy and generating less greenhouse gases during both its production and recycling processes.

At Oat Foundry, we believe that the magic of analog lies in its ability to spark curiosity and encourage us to be present in the moment. By staying true to our “why” and relentlessly pursuing innovation, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of cool, analog stuff

From our team at Oat Foundry, we invite you to join us on this incredible journey. Welcome to the latest edition of Analog.

Thank you,

Mark Kuhn IV CEO

flap (n)

Flaps are the core component of our Split Flaps. Each alphanumeric character is split across two flaps. Our flaps are polypropylene. The black material is screen-printed with white lettering for our classic Oat Foundry flaps.

carousel (n)

Our team places each of the 50 flaps, in order, into the carousel wheels. Once in the Split Flap, the carousel rotates through the flap set to land on the letter, number, symbol, or color to display.

ANALOG DICTIONARY

module (n)

A module is the sheet metal container for the carousel with 50 flaps, a motor, and a few other electrical components. Each module is 6 inches tall, 3 inches wide, and 5 inches deep.

THE SPLIT FLAP MODULE

Width: 2.87 inches (7.29 cm)

Height: 5.98 inches (15.2 cm)

Each module is assembled, by hand, at our shop in Philadelphia. Our production team works hard to make sure that each module passes quality checks and must meet our rigorous specifications before going into a sign. We use these modules to assemble signs in a variety of sizes and configurations.

The images below are exactly the size of our module design. The fifty flaps rotate to your letter, number, icon, symbol, logo, color, or other flap design. With both screen-printing and digital printing available, the options are limitless when it comes to making each module and each Split Flap display your own.

Depth: 5 inches (12.7 cm)

BUILDING

COOL STUFF

The Split Flap Production Process

Sean Rossiter President

It’s been a lot of fun to bring analog technology into the 21st century. Our clients have had some truly unique ideas and we’ve been fortunate enough to be the ones to make those ideas a reality.

With each new project and its distinct application of our core technology, we get to explore the bounds of what’s possible and confront new challenges head on. We take pride in solving these challenges quickly and coming up with a product that has quality in front of mind when you see it, when you feel it, and when you hear it. The hours and hours

of obsessing over the details are partly because that’s who we are, but mostly because we care about who you are and the vision you have.

Each piece has been assembled by hand, and we’ve taken the time to inspect every step along the way. This tribute to manufacturing, in the home of some of the country’s first manufacturers, is important to us and what we stand for.

Before we dive in, be sure to check out the Analog Dictionary page to get familiar with the terminology that we use to describe the different components of our analog tech.

The cabinets are the literal backbone of the sign. They start out as bare sheets of cold rolled steel in a shop just up the road from us, owned and operated by our friends at General Metal Company. For years, General Metal (GM to us, and now you) has been laser cutting and bending metal into various shapes and sizes for us. With the powder coated sheet metal parts prepped for assembly, a trained Oat Foundry technician, preferably in a We Build Cool Stuff t-shirt, rivets together a series of uniquely designed panels. We reinforce the connected panels, constituting the structure of the Split Flap that will later receive modules. Using an extensible sheet metal design allows us to build boards in a limitless number of sizes, capable of fitting any space or budget.

After assembling the sheet metal of the cabinet, there’s some delicate circuitry and wiring that’s added to the panels. This wiring feeds up to the brains of the operation housed in the header section of the Split Flap above the modules. The cabinet houses an array of circuit boards populated with thousands of components, all communicating with one another and the main controller every second. This connected arrangement cements the foundation upon which all modules will be able to be individually controlled – letting us do some really fun, intricate animations once the sign is all together.

We use two tried and tested printing techniques to make our flaps, each for a unique application. Some are screen printed by another local vendor of ours, Nu Art Graphics, in West Chester, PA. More complicated shapes and colors oftentimes requires the finer capability of digital printing handled by the team at NGS Printing. Once printed, cut, and received, each set of fifty flaps is then broken out and placed into a carousel, one at a time, in order, by a member of our production team. Excess material from breaking out the flaps is then recycled locally.

Remember our friends at GM? Modules start as a single flat piece of metal that’s cut from a larger sheet. A series of complex, precise bends followed by careful powder coating turns it into the base unit of a module. Once they arrive at our shop, the team can prepare them for housing a carousel of flaps. We assemble our custom-designed printed circuit board to the module along with a hand-picked stepper motor. There’s a bit of tricky wiring and other components involved here, but we’ll spare you with the boring details and get to the fun part

Now that our modules are complete with motors and flaps, our team places each module into their forever home inside the cabinet. Each module is hung from the cabinet and plugged into the circuitry to give it the power and data it needs to carry out its assignments. We populate modules from the bottom row to the top before affixing the header panel to tuck away the electronics and finish the front face of the Split Flap.

Once all modules are onboard, we can begin the testing and QA process. First, we do a second check to ensure all characters are in the proper

order and confirm there are no visual defects. Then, we run simulated use testing on each module for 50,000 rotations. This can represent anywhere from months to years depending on the use case, but allows us to monitor each module once every few seconds over the course of a few days for even the hint of a hiccup. Only modules that have never experienced an issue get the greenlight to move forward. From there, we calibrate each module for its position within the cabinet so that each of the fifty flaps across the tens, hundreds, or even thousands of modules, falls at exactly the same time as one another when we tell them to.

With testing done, it’s time to pack for the journey ahead. Since every Split Flap is made-to-order as a specific size for an intended space, that means custom packaging as well. Our partners at Arrow Crating and Packaging across the Delaware River expertly craft custom foam lined crates that protect our boards from any bumps the road, sky, or sea has to offer. Smaller boards ship with modules in place. We pack larger boards by separating the cabinet superstructure from the modules. In this scenario, modules are labeled for their position, bagged, and boxed in order, ready for installation.

Our analog technology may move between a myriad of trucks, trailers, planes, and containers on its journey, with dozens of touchpoints in between. Working with our local dispatch, we ensure the crate is safely loaded onto the first truck. From city to city, country to country, we monitor the movement of the crate every step of the way. We work with the on-site team to ensure everything is ready for the arrival of the display. Once it’s navigated loading docks and doorways, it’s ready to uncrate and install.

We’ve shipped our Split Flaps around the globe. Cross country trips here in the states, flights south to Central America, transatlantic trips to the UK, Switzerland, Hungary, Azerbaijan and more, Pacific passage to Hong Kong, Australia, and India – our boards are frequent flyers with plenty of stamps in their passports, and always looking for more.

It’s a great day when a Split Flap crate is opened back up for the first time – this means the site is ready for install. The first step is to hang the cabinet with included hardware, checking that it’s level and plumb.

Then, plug in and hang each module in their labeled positions, working from the bottom up. Connect power and data then watch (and listen!) for the magic to happen. Teams already working in the space install a vast majority of our boards. From general contractors, carpenters, electricians, and a host of other trades, from owners to maintenance staff we’re always available to answer questions and simplify the process – or lend a hand ourselves when the occasion arises.

INSTALLATION STYLES

Make the Most of Your Split Flap

We like to think of Split Flap as a canvas on which you can express your voice. The highly customizable nature of Split Flap ensures that your display will be unlike any other.

And like so much great art, where it is placed can enhance the experience. Make the most of your Split Flap by tailoring its surroundings to suit your vision.

We’ve seen every kind of mounting you can imagine, from custom millwork cabinets to Split Flaps hung from the ceiling. We’ll help you plan and prepare for installation for your particular location and needs.

Building a new space? Our products can be recessed into walls, creating a clean and polished look. Looking to increase the visual footprint of your Split Flap? Position it within branded wall art or a custom surround with a thematic shape. Throughout this book you’ll find dozens of installation styles for inspiration.

If you’re unsure which mounting style would have the greatest impact in your space, don’t worry. We’ll be here to support you through the process from concept to installation. With high-quality renders, we’ll bring your vision to life so you can make decisions with confidence.

How can we help you take your Split Flap display to the next level?

Let’s talk soon!

Colleen Wilson Sales Representative

BUILDING

COOL STUFF

The Picture Flap Production Process

Sean Rossiter President

Each Picture Flap begins with the artwork. The twenty different flaps represent twenty unique canvases. Each canvas can contain anywhere from one to hundreds of different images. Our printers are capable of exceptionally high resolution and we’re not bound by pixels on print media. We work to develop assets to fill each canvas with a coordination of color, graphics, and imagery that work together. This can create not only twenty unique images, but sometimes hundreds of composite images that blend from one canvas to the next as different sets of flaps turn over to reveal a new collage. With the twenty artboards selected,

we use our proprietary software to handle the symphony of dissecting each image into its constituent parts and pairing it with the next image in line to form each unique flap, printed front and back.

The physical build begins with the structure that will distribute power and data to each of the modules. Much like the cabinet of our Split Flap product line, the backplane(s) of our Picture Flap are made of powder coated sheet metal. These form the structure and substrate which allows the Picture Flap to attach to any vertical surface.

We assemble the backplanes to one another in smaller subsections before attaching each subsection to the wall itself. Once attached to the wall, we’re able to run set lengths of power and data between each backplane circuit board to prepare the unit for modules.

Flaps within a Picture Flap are over 20x the surface area of those in a Split Flap, so it takes a good bit of extra power to keep things running as smoothly. In order to do so, we designed the drivetrain of the Picture Flap from the ground up, using a similarly reliable stepper motor at

the heart, but adding some extra muscle to increase the amount of available torque. With the individual subassemblies of the drivetrain complete, we’re ready to build it into a module.

Module sheet metal serves as the basis for the full assembly. Supplied by General Metal – this part is made of multiple bent and welded parts that come together to form the housing. An Oat Foundry designed circuit board is fitted to the drivetrain before it’s mounted to the sheet metal. The three wheels driving each flap are set perfectly in sync as they turn.

With a completed backplane array and a matching set of completed modules, all that’s left is to add the flaps. Flaps start as a sheet of plastic that’s printed on each side with the artwork output from our software. Then, flaps are precisely cut within the sheet keeping all of the artwork in the exact location it’s intended to be so everything aligns in the end. Each flap is numbered for its location within the module as well as within the array of the overall board. This numbering scheme allows us to sort each flap to ensure the order is exactly right and each canvas is completed as intended. We then insert the ordered flaps into each module.

With flaps installed, we perform a calibration similar to Split Flap. This ensures the timing is such that each of the modules’ flaps fall at the exact same time when told to by the onboard computer – critical for those eye-catching animations. From there, we can check for any alignment issues, misprints, or quality defects. With everything looking good, we then run simulated use testing on the board. Depending upon the application, this can simulate anywhere from weeks to months of use in the field.

Just like the custom nature of our Split Flap, each Picture Flap is built to order to fill a uniquely sized space with the living, flipping canvases. Custom foam lined wood crates are built to house the boxes of modules, packed separately from wrapped subsections of backplanes. From there, Picture Flaps take a similar journey as our Split Flaps, on planes, trains, and automobiles (maybe a ship or two!) around the world before they’re uncrated at their final destination.

To install, the backplanes are mounted and subsections are connected with the data and power wire. Then labeled modules are matched with labeled backplanes, plugged in and hung before moving to the next one in line. Standard wall plugs and ethernet can be hidden within one of the modules within the footprint of the Picture Flap to make for a clean aesthetic. Once the power switch is flipped on, the board will start moving through each of the twenty flaps. The board is then on its way to making hundreds more unique images with infinitely variable styles of animations.

DESIGNING PICTURE FLAP ART

Think Outside the Box

Selecting art is the crucial first step when it comes to building your custom Picture Flap display. All of our clients finalize the size of their Picture Flap – mainly the number of modules and their formation –during the Sales process. Smaller signs are typically 3x4 or 3x5. Our modules are about 12x12 inches so this translates directly to overall sizes of 3x4 feet or 3x5 feet. Our largest Picture Flap to date is 18 feet long!

Our clients have a few image ideas or at least an art concept in mind during the Sales process, which helps inform the final size of their Picture Flap. The amazing Sales team at Oat Foundry puts together incredible, realistic renders for all of our clients to help them visualize their custom sign. This is a great starting point for selecting the art, but now it’s time to lock in twenty artboards with our Production team.

The most important thing to note upfront is that the images or graphics must be high resolution for printing. This isn’t your standard home printer. If one image is spread across your whole sign, then this image will be printed across the entire length and width of your sign. If your sign is 6x10 modules, that means your image will have to stretch to 6 feet x 10 feet for printing, without looking pixelated. That’s a lot of DPI (dots per inch). A good rule of thumb is to have about 2000 x 2000 pixels, per module.

While each Picture Flap display has twenty artboards, our Art team highly recommends having more than twenty images on hand. Having forty to sixty images available is ideal – this can include photographs, logos, scans, graphics, vectors, branding, and more. To make the most of your sign, try creating artboards with one image per module. Or design a layout where half your sign has one photo and the other half has a large logo or some branding. Your final sign will have more variety in what you’ll be able to show.

Check out the example set of artboards to the right.

Once your art is locked in, you can sit back and relax while we complete your made-to-order Picture Flap display. Our in-house Art team runs your twenty artboards through our proprietary image-splitting software. Picture Flap has what’s called a bezel – the spacing between the modules where the sheet metal is visible. All art is cropped to these dimensions, per module, and the layout of your sign.

When the artwork is approved, we digitally print the files on a large-scale printer. This process can take several weeks. During this time, the Production team builds out all of the hardware for the sign. The printed flaps are easily inserted into the sign once they’re ready. Then the sign ships to you for installation.

We can’t wait to see what you design!

Sarah Van Bemmel Creative Director

One Hero Image

Vertical Split

Collage

One Hero Logo

Horizontal Split

One Image per Module

BARS & BREWERIES

STATION CRAFT

Located on California’s historic Pacific Coast Highway and just over a mile from the nearest marina is Dana Point’s coolest brewpub – Station Craft. The brewery opened their first location in the Summer of 2020 bringing a new roster of food and drink offerings to southern California.

The exterior of Station Craft is a warm welcome to the California coast. The black, brown, white, and gray color palette attracts the attention of those cruising by. Lindye Galloway interior design studio is the creative behind the design of this chic coastal space.

A large garage door connects the dining room to their large patio. This setup allows the space to transform – an essential element to work with the ever-changing weather of SoCal.

Behind the L-shaped bar, you will find not one, but two Oat Foundry Split Flaps. These signs have the retro design and sound, complimenting the modern exterior and minimalist interior.

The Split Flaps at Station Craft are each 6 Rows and 24 Columns. Our standard Oat Foundry font is ideal for this type of space, since you can read the sign whether you’re sitting at the bar or sitting thirty feet away at a table.

The side-by-side Split Flaps mainly display cocktails and what’s on tap. If you’re not able to stick around, look out for the rotation of the sign to see which cans are available to-go as you make your way up or down the coast. When Station Craft has upcoming events or specials, the Split Flaps are the first to know. Our personal favorite is Wine Down Wednesday with 50% off all bottles. While they are physically identical, the signs are programmed in such a way that they’re always displaying different messages.

BARSTOOL

You’ve likely heard of Barstool Sports – maybe you’re one of their 100+ million followers. But if you’re not familiar, sports blogger Dave Portnoy founded the company back in 2003. They have since developed into a multi-million dollar digital media company entertaining generations through sports and pop culture. Their latest venture is opening a chain of sports bars to complement their sportsbook app. Stanton & Bowery Hospitality took the reins on designing and operating the new Barstool bars. Philadelphia is the second location to open its doors.

Located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, there are a handful of other go-to nightlife spots near Barstool Sansom Street. It’s just a few blocks from City Hall. Their modest front door entrance opens into a massive two-floor oasis for “good vibes only.”

The bar has pub-style qualities with exposed brick, wood floors, leather seating, and lots of taps to keep the rounds flowing for their guests. The walls are lined with TV screens, so the bar needed a focal point –a Split Flap was the perfect fit.

Stanton & Bowery ordered a 5 Row and 32 Column board that acts as the main attraction behind the bar. It breaks up the bright lights from all of the televisions. The Split Flap displays everything from game times to tweets from social figures throughout the Barstool organization. They’ll also put up some location-specific quotes about Philly. Adding this kinetic design element keeps the content flowing – something Barstool holds the trophy for across all social platforms.

Their Split Flap wouldn’t have been complete without a custom Barstool logo flap. Besides this hometown sign, Oat Foundry Split Flaps are now on display at Barstool locations in Chicago, Scottsdale, and Nashville. We are excited to partner with Stanton & Bowery and Barstool to bring their vision to life! 34 " x 93

DEADWORDS

Deadwords Brewing is a craft brewpub in the Parramore District of Orlando. The brewery sits right on North Orange Blossom Trail and is just minutes from Universal and Disney World. We highly recommend stopping by next time you’re in the area. Give their 2022 Gold Medal winning American-style Lager a try!

The name “Deadwords” is inspired by the Hymn to Ninkasi. The famous hymn has a 4,000-year-old beer recipe written in an archaic language. “To us, it was fascinating to realize that although the earliest words used to describe and define it are now ‘dead languages,’ beer has outlived those words – and even the civilizations that have consumed it.”

- David Satterfield, Co-Founder of Deadwords

Inside Deadwords, they have artfully paired modern design aesthetics with impressive references to ancient times. The space is decorated with Mesopotamian artifacts. Upon arrival, guests open a mirrored door, not only reflecting light from the hot Florida sun, but also hiding what the inside of Deadwords has to offer.

Deadwords and Oat Foundry have quite a bit in common. We both make award-winning products inspired by a rich history. We pride ourselves in high-quality products made from locally sourced “ingredients.” One of our handmade Split Flaps sits above the bar and it will immediately catch your eye when you walk into Deadwords.

The 6 Row and 24 Column sign cycles through quotes and trivia. It explains the story behind their name and their beer brewing process. They actually use a clay pot to brew some of their beers, like they did back in the day (BCE days that is). The clay pot isn’t the only thing that pays homage to all things old school. The Split Flap acts as a perfect way to blend modern tech into ancient design. 40 " x

BROKEN RECORDS

Broken Records is a modern beer hall with an analog twist in the Allston neighborhood of Boston. Our new friends at Joe the Architect designed this beautiful space, from the logo and brand strategy to the interiors and murals. Broken Records is part of The Track, a state-of-the-art New Balance facility. Next door, you’ll also find the Roadrunner music venue.

Broken Records welcomes all with open doors and endless beer. Visitors settle in at the communal table area, the energetic sports and gaming section, or one of the smaller, warmly lit gathering areas. Add their totally delicious and shareable menu with drinks for every palate, and you’ve got a restaurant atmosphere that’s a play for success.

The beer hall went big and bold and ordered a 10 Row and 40 Column Split Flap. They added custom teal flaps (pictured left). At first glance, it may look like they managed to make their “BR” logo out of white flaps. In fact, the design team leveraged their large sign size to implement our logo rasterization option. If you get the chance, go see the sign flip to this extra-large logo – either in person or on our website. It’s a mesmerizing effect!

With its captivating display of rotating messages and vibrant ambiance, the Split Flap display at Broken Records has become more than just a sign — it’s an interactive storyteller, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for guests.

As the flaps flip and reveal the latest beer offerings, upcoming events, and engaging trivia leaderboards, the energy in the beer hall becomes palpable, sparking conversations and connections among friends. The Split Flap display serves as a testament to Joe the Architect’s commitment to creating an unforgettable atmosphere where every visit to Broken Records is filled with anticipation and delight.

CARNIVAL

Carnival Cruise Line is the world’s largest cruise corporation – and the most fun. 2022 marked Carnival’s monumental 50th birthday. Their team set out for the largest birthday celebration the company could imagine. They built a massive 1,130-foot ship, the Carnival Celebration, that can accommodate over 5,000 guests across 18 decks. The Carnival Celebration is an ode to the many destinations it cruises to with the six zones throughout the ship. Each zone has its own theme, whether it’s a stage for nightly performances, an upscale bar with premium cocktail options, a Guy Fieri BBQ pit, basketball courts, a full-size rollercoaster, or a supreme splash zone for the kids. The coolest area on board the Celebration is The Gateway, and it is home to the first Split Flap at sea.

The Oat Foundry Split Flap display found its permanent vacation spot above Latitudes, the transit-inspired bar. They originally specified a static sign. When the experience team discovered Oat Foundry’s Split Flap, they realized it could have a starring role as part of the dynamic performance that happens every evening at the bar. The board rotates through messages about the ship, schedules, and current happenings. It also connects to the audio-visual experience throughout the space.

Each nightly show has a theme to teleport the guests into different locations and cultures around the world. The Split Flap pairs with custom software that helps tie it into the space’s MIDI feature – a tool that synchronizes the audio and visuals.

One of the experiences is a journey through time from the far past to the far future with Split Flap guiding the way. The windows show immersive visuals, making The Gateway feel like a massive time machine. The audio creates an IMAX atmosphere, except this time you’re a part of the story. The 4 Row and 64 Column sign flips to different messages to pinpoint the millennium through which you are traveling.

28 " x 185 "

INTERNATIONAL WATERS

RESTAURANTS

KPOD

POD restaurant, by Stephen Starr, originally opened near the University of Pennsylvania campus back in 2000. Known for its three neon seating “pods” and the sushi conveyor belt, the menu featured a variety of pan-Asian cuisine.

After a massive renovation and a new partnership with renowned chef Peter Serpico, KPOD was born. KPOD aims to pay tribute to K-Pop’s vibrant culture through its Korean cuisine, futuristic atmosphere, and contemporary architecture. The vibrant space, designed by Stokes Architecture + Design, is clad in poppy colors and curvilinear motifs. Depending on the occasion, choose from sushi bar seats, two-seater booths, or family-style tables. Not to worry, those original three partysized pods are still there! Use the large buttons on the wall to rotate through an array of colors to suit your mood.

KPOD sparks each of our senses through its color palette, sweet and savory menu items, and the subtle click-clack coming from the Split Flap sitting behind the sushi chef.

STARR Restaurant group has a lot of uniqueness in their design. But they needed that little “umph” to completely separate themselves from other restaurants. A Split Flap is the perfect thing to do just that.

STARR ordered a one-of-a-kind pink powder-coated sign with pink flaps and white font. The 5 Row and 32 Column board rotates through a queue of messages about featured dishes and cocktails. Keep an eye out for “KPOD” written out in white flaps.

Implementing retro technology into a futuristic space may seem contrary to decor principles. A Split Flap presents a subtle tie between old-school design and modern technology. They must be doing something right!

Interior Design magazine recognized KPOD as a 2022 Best of Year Finalist for Casual Dining.

The light pink Split Flap sign is a conversation-starter in this updated Korean restaurant.

BUCK & RIDER

Bringing fresh seafood to the state of Arizona is no easy task, unless you’re Buck & Rider. Located just north of Tempe and Phoenix, is a seafood oasis at the base of Camelback Mountain. Buck & Rider flies fresh seafood every single day from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, giving Arizonans a little taste of the salt life. Their menu ranges from Maine Lobster to Georgia Shrimp, Alaskan King Crab to California Halibut, and everything in between.

Buck & Rider opened their doors in 2015 with a goal to deliver fresh catch to the Phoenix area. They generated buzz by highlighting their efforts to bring in fresh seafood each day.

Their non-seafood claim to fame is their LGO Reserve Beef, the first in Arizona awarded a private label USDA certification. The beef is a very rare cut from the Midwest, where only three in ten cattle meet the criteria. The name stems from LGO Hospitality. The hospitality group runs several restaurants throughout Arizona and California.

The restaurant has a classic vibe with dark leather booths, light wood tables, and earthy colored walls. It’s all class from the second you enter the door until you sign your check. Buck & Rider needed a way to display their daily seafood items and a Split Flap fit the bid. Their 6 Row and 40 Column sign hangs in their dining room. It’s hard to take your eyes off this one! Definitely head to Buck & Rider for a special occasion, because we love to see them put birthday and anniversary messages on the sign for guests. They even had a proposal using the Split Flap!

Buck & Rider is expanding in Arizona. They opened two new locations in Gilbert and Northern Scottsdale. You’ll find Philadelphia’s Freshest Split Flaps at both restaurants. 40

NOLITA HALL

The design aesthetic at Nolita Hall is inspired by classic European beer halls. Luckily, they have the lovely Southern California weather on their side, conducive to the amazing open-air layout. The beer hall has a variety of outdoor seating and patio space available. It’s an ideal spot for catching up with friends over a specialty cocktail or cheering on a big sporting event.

Most people saw the abandoned building directly in the flight path of the San Diego airport as a lost cause. Planes fly so close to the top of this building – the clearance is minimal. In fact, pilots must get a special certification to fly in and out. The Nolita Hall team saw an opportunity to bring a unique experience to Little Italy. They turned that “bug” of loud planes flying overhead into a core feature.

A skylight runs across the middle of Nolita Hall’s ceiling, so you can watch the planes go by above. To enhance the experience, they wanted to add a traditional departures board centerpiece, displaying the flight information for each plane passing overhead. This vision is exactly in-line with what our team is able to offer.

Oat Foundry built a 10 Row and 32 Column Split Flap display. Extensive shelving with some touches of green frame the sign, housing a variety of liquors. Our standard Split Flap font fits perfectly with the modern elements of the beer hall. Guests can read the sign from anywhere in the venue.

One of the most exciting parts of this project was building a custom software package to feed Flight Tracker data to the Nolita Hall sign. The Split Flap pulls data about planes landing in San Diego posting the flight information on the board at the precise moment that plane is flying overhead. They pair the to-the-minute data with hilarious one-liners at the top of the sign, completing the photographable centerpiece. 64

While not one of our newest installations, Nolita Hall is an Oat Foundry all-time favorite.

RETAIL

THE CITIZEN BY KLUTCH

Klutch, a cannabis brand launched in 2020, is now opening The Citizen dispensaries in their home state of Ohio, starting with Lorain.

The Citizen’s branding scheme is cool and classic with gold and black. The dispensary is lined in mahogany wood to give it a cigar-lounge feel. Granite countertops and bourbon brown leather seating complement the rich tones. Exposed brick lines the cash register area and select walls in the space, creating a dynamic interior. The goal to bring a suave style from the 1950s into a 21st-century dispensary is to create a warm and social environment for all customers. With this mid-century design, Klutch saw fit to include a 3 Row and 24 Column Split Flap display.

Klutch needed a way to display specials, menu items, and more without ruining the atmosphere with LED screens. Queue Split Flap! The retro aesthetics throughout the space created a beautiful new hope for the Split Flap. Once we learned of the design intent in Klutch, we showed them our Mellowtron concept. After a year of attending events and trade shows, Mellowtron can now call The Citizen its first permanent home.

“With Oat Foundry, Klutch Cannabis is out to change the dispensary experience and has been featured in Global Cannabis Times for this reason. Oat Foundry’s innovative technology with a vintage feel match the distinct vibe of The Citizen dispensaries. As one of the first in the country to adopt The Split Flap and Mellowtron, Klutch is revolutionizing cannabis shopping. If you ask us, we’d say that’s smart… and pretty cool.”

- Caitlin Bourque, Marketing and Brand Manager, Klutch Cannabis

Our team loves to build cool stuff that’s also smart. Stop by The Citizen if you’re looking for a premier shopping experience and get a product recommendation from Mellowtron. Stay tuned for their Canton location coming soon, with some familiar features from Oat Foundry. Read more about Mellowtron in our Experience Design section.

GLOSSIER

Glossier opened its first brick and mortar store in 2016 and has since been rolling out more locations across the globe. The once solely online makeup retailer is now focusing on its physical presence in a unique way, giving each store its own identity from London’s floral concept to Miami’s cabana design. The Washington DC store landed on an aviation theme.

Upon entering Glosser DC, shoppers feel like they are walking through the fuselage of an aircraft – and it’s no economy ticket. Guests receive a warm welcome from a Glossier team member wearing pink coveralls. They offer their assistance for new ‘flyers’ in the store. Then, an LED-lined walkway guides you through what feels like an aisle of an aircraft as the walls are decorated with mirrors in the form of airplane windows. Upon reaching the back of the “plane,” shoppers make their way up a staircase that brings them into the glass-ceilinged atrium. Here, a black and white departure board greets you at the top of the stairs.

The Split Flap lives at the entrance to the merchandise area. It grabs attention, displaying messages like “Welcome to Terminal G” and the staple “You Look Good.” It’s the perfect Instagrammable moment.

The Split Flap is 3 Rows and 24 Columns with custom white casing. Glossier kept our standard black flaps with a few personalized upgrades for logo icons and colors. The unique design help it fit right into the minimalist polished look of the space. The store has a clean look, clad in white, light pink, and warm lighting.

Glossier ties back to its online roots by having brand ambassadors roam around the floor assisting customers and placing orders on their iPads. There are no traditional cashiers or cash registers. Instead, they use a ‘we come to you’ ordering system. Once you place your order, you can go pick it up at the “baggage claim.” At the pick-up window, your order makes its way around on a conveyor belt to you. 22

The Glossier sign is truly one of a kind, with its white frame and black flaps.

RISE

New Jersey has a relatively short history rooted in cannabis dating back to January 2010. In the early days, residents could apply for medical marijuana permits, but retailers were scarce.

Eleven years later, the Garden State decided to legalize recreational cannabis use and the state is now home to over a dozen dispensaries. RISE is a chain of dispensaries with locations in thirteen states, primarily in the Northeast.

RISE prides itself on making cannabis accessible for everyone, regardless of lifestyle or level of wellness. The Bloomfield location proudly serves medical and recreational shoppers.

RISE Bloomfield is situated in a quaint town north of Newark and west of New York City. The dispensary gives a warm welcome to all guests –a great experience whether you’re a repeat visitor or a first time buyer. Upon entering the store, an employee asks whether you are there to buy medical or recreational cannabis. New Jersey separates the two, so medical patients always have access to their cannabis inventory.

No matter which side you shop, the experience is quite similar. The dispensary has a green, white, and black color palette with a minimalist design aesthetic. White and green subway tiles line the walls. Sprinkled throughout the store are floral green installations. On the medical side, the space has a lounge area so shoppers can hangout and talk to budtenders while surfing their online inventory to find a product.

The dispensary wanted an interactive focal point for their customers, something cool and functional. Our team installed a massive 9 Row and 48 Column Split Flap for the main foyer of their dispensary. The sign greets guests and disseminates information about cannabis, RISE, and current events. The sign brings a unique feature to the subway tiled space – almost like you’re in a train station in 1950.

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BLOOMFIELD, NJ

NEW YORK OR NOWHERE

The New York or Nowhere flagship store is the trendiest retail destination in the Nolita neighborhood. Their “New York or Nowhere” branding has become an iconic symbol of the city’s vibrant culture and unique identity. The store captures the essence of New York’s dynamic spirit, offering an immersive shopping experience for locals and tourists alike.

As the first brick and mortar location for NYON, the store showcases an extensive range of products that celebrate the city’s rich heritage. From fashion apparel and accessories to home decor and souvenirs, the store caters to a wide array of tastes and preferences. Each item is carefully curated to reflect the energy and creativity synonymous with the Big Apple.

As customers step into the store, they are greeted by a stunning interior that combines modern aesthetics with elements inspired by New York’s iconic landmarks. The design, by the talented Elizabeth Bolognino, pays homage to the city’s architecture, art, and cultural icons. Every detail, from the lighting to the store layout, is meticulously crafted to enhance the overall shopping experience.

The classic NYC aesthetic could not be complete without their Split Flap installation. NYON opted for a 6 row x 24 column display, visible from the bustling sidewalk of Lafayette Street. The signage is front and center, hanging on the brick wall behind the impressive granite counter.

The rotating sounds of the split flap spin to mottos like “A Better Place is Hard to Find.” It’s the perfect complement towards the NYON mission to celebrate the sounds, motions, and timeless charm. The New York or Nowhere flagship store has become more than just a retail space. Through its carefully curated products, luxurious environment, and ubiquitous cool factor, the store continues to captivate visitors and locals, embodying the essence of the city that never sleeps. 40

The New York or Nowhere flagship retail store is a beautiful spot in the Nolita neighborhood.

SAMSUNG KX

Samsung has a presence at King’s Cross in London, which is a major transportation hub and commercial district in the city. The Samsung experience store is located within the Coal Drops Yard development. The Coal Drops Yard was originally built in the mid-19th century as coal storage vaults for the nearby railway. It is now a revitalized area of historic Victorian buildings, transformed into a vibrant retail and cultural destination while retaining its industrial heritage.

Samsung’s King’s Cross experience store is a must-see destination for anyone who appreciates sleek and modern aesthetics. The store’s minimalist design beautifully showcases Samsung’s latest products. The sleek and futuristic displays create an immersive environment that is sure to captivate visitors.

But it’s not just the products that are a work of art. The store’s interior design is a masterpiece in its own right. The open and airy space, with its clean lines and muted color palette, creates a sense of calm that is a welcome respite from the bustling city outside.

To tie in the transit history of King’s Cross, the design team sought out a customized Split Flap display. For the first time ever, Oat Foundry built an L-shaped two-sign fixture to adorn the walls of the cafe at Samsung KX. The two displays sit perpendicular to each other, creating the illusion that the entire wall is clacking flaps. The unique sign also features custom flaps with the Gotham typeface and a GBP symbol instead of our usual US dollar sign.

The signs showcase cafe menus and events, changing continuously in rotation to draw guests’ eyes. Amidst the experience center’s innovative display technologies, the Split Flap display serves as a reminder of the past. It stands out as analog in a room full of screens. 94 " x 70 " and 28 "

HOTELS & RESIDENCES

UNION STATION

Union Station is a beautiful Richardsonian Romanesque building, established in 1900. It served as the travel terminal for passengers looking to ride one of the eight railroads in and out of Nashville. Now, more than a century later, the structure is still serving travelers in a different way. Union Station reopened in 1986 as a boutique hotel with 125 stylish rooms.

The Union Station Hotel in Nashville is a time-traveler’s paradise. The hotel sits at the top of the hill overlooking the heart of Music City. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a colossal clock tower. The lobby features a barrel-vaulted ceiling clad with gold details and stained glass windows. If those elements don’t catch your eye, the chandeliers are impossible to miss as they glisten in the radiant light through the glass ceiling.

The lobby is home to Ergo – and it is not your average hotel bar. Ergo is a tasteful and upscale cocktail lounge with artisan-crafted drinks. Grab a cocktail and enjoy a taste of their broad (yet exclusive) selection of Tennessee whiskeys and bourbons.

Whether you stop in Ergo as you wait for your room or prior to your dinner plans, it’s one of the best spots to get a complete sensory experience. Ergo is home to a retro-inspired Split Flap Display. The sign is reminiscent of the former train station departures board. Also found in Ergo is the older sibling of Oat Foundry’s modernized Split Flap – a 1950s departure board on the opposite side of the bar.

The Oat Foundry Split Flap rotates through welcome messages for guests, weather updates, drink specials, and current happenings around Nashville. The Split Flap has become a popular photo spot for visitors, allowing them to capture a piece of Nashville’s past and present in one frame. From arrival to departure, staying at The Union Station Hotel is the perfect way to explore the Music City.

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NASHVILLE, TN

The sign at the Union Station Hotel has a custom surround, designed and built by Oat Foundry.

THE BLOCK

The Block Apartments is a contemporary mixed-use complex in the vibrant Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. The complex includes modernity through nine live-work units and forty residences. To top it all off, they have a private roof deck with fire pits and a killer view of the city skyline. This stunning development has modern design and top-of-the-line finishes.

The unique and chic design of The Block Apartments is truly impressive. The Block was deservedly recognized by the American Institute of Architects for Mixed Use Housing. The same design team worked on Yards Brewing Co, right next door. The facade of The Block features a mix of materials, including brick and metal, creating a distinctive look. Large windows allow ample natural light into each apartment, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

The commercial spaces on the ground floor of the building feature modern architecture and design, providing an attractive space for businesses to set up shop. The mix of retail and dining options offer a unique and convenient experience for residents and visitors.

The branding at The Block is bright and lively with greens, blues, pinks, purples, and orange colors that line the exterior. Their design team searched for ways to bring this uniqueness indoors. They didn’t have to look far to find the ideal (and local!) solution – Picture Flap.

The 3 Row and 4 Column Picture Flap at The Block has bright graphics and it blends into their space seamlessly. It sits right at the top of the entryway stairwell and it is one of the first things residents and guests see when entering the building. Their twenty prints include a couple of photos, but it is mainly bold, striking branding. The Block is a modern space for those looking for great facilities, location, and high-quality living.

MOXY NOOGA

Moxy Hotels prides itself on being different. Moxy is renowned for its inviting atmosphere and cutting-edge design. To start, Moxy guests check-in at the bar instead of a standard hotel counter. The main floor features an open concept layout with vibrant colors and a communal area, encouraging guests to spend more time in the lobby, and less time in their individual rooms.

The centerpiece of the lobby is a lively bar that serves craft cocktails, local beers, and delectable bites. During the day, the bar area functions as a dynamic co-working space, providing a productive environment for guests who need to work or collaborate. In the evening, the common space as “a living room with a bartender,” patrons enjoy eating, drinking, socializing, and posting on social media.

When designing Moxy Chattanooga in Tennessee, management wanted to create a lobby that gives millennials the fun, engaging experience for which the brand is well-known. They wanted to create a unique memory for travelers that can only be had at the Moxy.

Located next to railroad tracks and featuring a yellow railcar converted into an outdoor bar, Moxy Chattanooga designed the entire hotel with a modern spin on its railroad-rich history. To do so, they needed a standout design element that would effectively tie in the old with the new and give travelers even more reason to hang out in the lobby.

Moxy purchased a 6 Row and 24 Column Oat Foundry Split Flap. The sign creates an element of anticipation as the flaps turn, like those felt by 20th-century station train travelers. It captivates the new generation of guests and makes for the perfect “Instagrammable” moment. The new Split Flap Display showcases greetings to groups, info about local events, and any other information. 40 "

RITZ CARLTON

The Ritz Carlton Philadelphia is a luxurious hotel in Center City, right next to City Hall. The hotel is a neoclassical building, originally constructed in 1908 as the Girard Trust Company. The building was converted into the Ritz in 2000.

The hotel features a grand ballroom, which was the main hall of the bank and has now been restored to its former glory with marble columns, ornate molding, and crystal chandeliers. The ballroom can accommodate up to 700 guests and is a popular venue for weddings, galas, and other luxurious events.

The champagne vending machine at the Ritz Carlton is a popular feature. The machine dispenses mini bottles of Moët & Chandon champagne at the push of a button. It is located in the lobby of the hotel and is available to guests 24 hours a day. The machine also dispenses champagne flutes and other accessories, making it the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a glass of bubbly while staying at the hotel.

When renovating their lobby in 2019, the designers sought to add a new defining moment that would set the hotel apart from others in the area. They landed on a white Split Flap sign, which pairs perfectly with the beautiful white marble. The 6 Row and 16 Column sign is a direct reference to the Solari board removed from 30th Street Station in 2018.

The Split Flap typically rotates through local travel tips, quotes from historical Philadelphia icons, and weather updates. Around 5pm, the white Split Flap promotes the champagne vending machine that’s just a few steps away. The sign is the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. The Split Flap seamlessly fits into the architecture and design of the century-old building giving guests an unforgettable welcome and a pleasant goodbye at the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia.

OFFICES & LOBBIES

CAROLINA TIMBERWORKS

In a lot of ways, our collaboration with Carolina Timberworks was like meeting a long-lost friend. Turns out, we share a lot in common.

Carolina Timberworks has an experienced team of designers, engineers, and craftsmen who work together to create custom timber frames that meet the specific needs of each client. Carolina Timberworks uses stateof-the-art technology to ensure precision and accuracy in its designs and construction. Their equipment prioritizes each cut to make sure as little timber as possible goes to waste.

Carolina Timberworks has a showroom where clients can view examples of their custom timber frames and woodworking projects. The showroom features a variety of materials, finishes, and design options to help clients visualize their project and make informed decisions.

We aspire to build things that make people stop and stare and soak up the moment. We are honored to have our 4 Row and 16 Column sign in the Carolina Timberworks’ immaculate showroom.

Quality is at the centerfold for Oat Foundry and Carolina Timberworks. Our products are built to last. Everything is assembled by hand.

Carolina Timberworks has won numerous awards and accolades for its work, including the 2020 Best of Houzz Design award and the 2019 Builder’s Choice award from Timber Home Living magazine. They have been featured in Architectural Digest, Fine Homebuilding, and Wood Design & Building magazine.

Timber-framed structures can remain for hundreds of years. While our patented Split Flap design has not been around as long, we are proud to say our signs still pass the tests of time.

WEST JEFFERSON, NC

JOLIET MUSEUM

The Joliet Historical Museum in Illinois showcases the history and culture of the Joliet area. The museum building was originally a post office and courthouse, built in 1901. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The museum features exhibits covering the city’s industrial heritage, transportation history, and the lives and experiences of its diverse communities. Some of the museum’s most popular exhibits include a replica of a 1940s street scene – complete with storefronts and vehicles from the era. They have a display on Joliet’s role in the Underground Railroad and exhibits on the area’s Native American history and early French settlers. Their mission is to educate visitors about the rich history of Joliet and to foster a greater appreciation for the city’s past and present.

The museum has a gift shop that offers unique and locally-made items that celebrate the history and culture of the Joliet area. The shop sells handmade pottery, artwork, and other artisanal items from local makers. They offer historical memorabilia and educational materials.

The gift shop features a kinetic slideshow of Joliet’s history on a Picture Flap display. Their team purchased and curated a 6 Row and 6 Column Picture Flap to flip through historical images from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Picture Flap is not only watched by museum visitors but also by The Blues Brothers who have found themselves a permanent seat right in front of the sign.

The Picture Flap fits perfectly into the vintage vibe throughout the museum – alongside 1960s Chevrolets, street trolleys, and a Lunar Lander Simulator. Joliet sits within the first one hundred miles of Route 66. The flipping of the Picture Flap is right at home with the other mid-century analog exhibits. 60 "

BEST FRIENDS

The Best Friends Pet Resource Center is a first-of-its-kind, fully reimagined shelter offering resources and services for both people and pets and breaks the mold of the antiquated facilities that have previously been the norm.

Designed without cages and kennels, the Pet Resource center is a community destination that connects people with adoptable pets, offers support for families to keep pets in homes and provides opportunities for animal lovers to help make the state of Arkansas, and the entire country, no-kill by 2025. This center represents the new model of how a community and shelter are intertwined for pet lifesaving.

Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 355,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary.

Working collaboratively with a network of more than 4,200 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®. For more information, visit bestfriends.org

To form a welcoming atmosphere for potential adopters, we worked with Best Friends to build the cutest Picture Flap display. The Picture Flap needed to fit into the design of the Bentonville center which is clad in creative graphics and pops of their signature orange. The open floor plan allows for ample sunlight to pour in, giving the wood lined ceiling a beautiful glowing texture that illuminates the entire space. The sign fits perfectly behind the reception desk as a beautiful welcome piece.

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The Picture Flap at the Best Friends Resource Center includes a mix of photos and branding.

HUMAN MANAGED

Human Managed is an analytics, information technology, and cyber security company that operates out of the Asia-Pacific region. They work with companies to flesh out the why and the what to create processes that provide them with the how. Human Managed audits your current operating systems and provides data-backed suggestions so your company can perform confidently and intelligently.

Human Managed emphasizes its company culture through its mission statement “To push boundaries and find answers through collective intelligence” while maintaining its three pillars Fresh, Open, and Present. They want to provide intelligence for all, not just those with deep pockets and a wide network.

Human Managed reached out for a Split Flap Display for their office in Singapore. The office has a unique modern co-working and open space design filled with couches, creative design elements, and even an astroturf carpet to mix up the floor layout. They needed something to add to the fun, casual, inviting atmosphere and a Split Flap would do just that.

They ordered a large 7 Row and 32 Column Split Flap to hang in their main office entrance. The Split Flap has two separate fonts, one on each half of the display. This is our first split flap with two font sets like this, as well as our first sign with lowercase lettering. The font on the left side of the sign is green and the right side is white to match their branding. The sign is also the first with italicized characters and the first Split Flap in Singapore.

We love custom projects, like this Split Flap for Human Managed, that challenge us to think differently and push the boundaries of what our products can do.

NAYAX

Nayax is an innovative global provider of cashless payment solutions, specializing in the vending, unattended retail, and self-service industries. Nayax operates several offices worldwide, including a prominent office in Tel Aviv.

As an innovative and adaptable company, Nayax looked to upgrade its office space back in 2016 to further expand its global presence. Shani Perry, the lead design firm on the project, hit the nail on the head when completing the space with hints of teal and muted yellows. The office has natural wood accents, blacks, and compliments from brick and subway tile. The space achieves its loft-like and homey design inspiration.

The Tel Aviv office reflects Nayax’s commitment to creating a dynamic and stimulating work environment. The workspace fosters creativity, collaboration, and productivity. The modern office features an open layout that encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing among employees. The office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that supports the company’s cutting-edge payment solutions.

Nayax values its employees and strives to provide a comfortable and engaging work atmosphere. The Tel Aviv office offers various amenities and perks to enhance the well-being and satisfaction of the staff. These may include lounge areas, well-stocked kitchens, recreational spaces, and wellness programs.

An Oat Foundry Split Flap Display sits in the kitchen and dining area. The sign looks very much at home, hanging on the herringbone subway tiles. The board flips through an array of welcome messages, schedules, and company updates. It creates an inviting atmosphere for the Nayax employees. The Split Flap brings an old-school kinetic design element to the modern company.

OAT FOUNDRY HEADQUARTERS

After rolling out Picture Flap around the United States, we decided we needed our own display for Oat Foundry HQ. This idea also sparked an interest in revamping our front entryway because it hadn’t changed much since we moved in. We have come a long way with other products and want to show them off to guests and clients when they enter our office – plus who doesn’t love a Split Flap and Picture Flap combo?

We started the entryway redesign by painting our shelves. The Split Flap now pops beautifully on the red background. Next, we covered our dividing wall in a green clover-like blanket as a textured backdrop for the Picture Flap’s new home. Once we knew our Picture Flap will be a landscape format, we were able to select images.

Most of our images depict the history of Oat Foundry as a timeline. These photos are the star of the show – it’s one image across all 24 modules. We added some text in the corners for years and events, but made sure to keep these aligned with the bezel of the flaps. We implemented a set of collages on some of the flaps such as client logos, different custom modules we love, and beautiful past projects.

We have a huge print of the Oat Foundry logo. That particular artboard also has a QR code printed in the bottom right corner. We’ve been wanting to test out a QR code printed on our flaps for a while now. Even though the QR code image is divided across two flaps, phones can still scan it! Visit our office some time to give it a try.

In the end, we have the eye-catching display we were hoping for. The grass wall pairs well with the Picture Flap, as does the recessed nature of this divider. It’s a great compliment to the rest of our lobby decor. It is a statement piece. It’s way cooler than a static poster or decal. It grabs attention. It summarizes the history of Oat Foundry. It’s mesmerizing.

KENDALL CENTER

Located at 325 Main Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts is the new and improved Kendall Center. The Boston Properties project broke ground in early 2020 and is now a beautiful addition to the Beantown skyline. The new building towers over the original four-floor structure, now stretching sixteen stories and more than quadrupling the previous square footage.

The 325 Main building is contiguous to MIT’s campus and woven right into Kendall Square – a beautiful office and social spectacle lined with restaurants, retail, green space, and more. Kendall Square is indisputably the Most Innovative Square Mile on the planet with neighbors in tech, biotech, and life sciences.

The Kendall Center provides on-site access to the MBTA Red Line as well as the MBTA bus system making transportation a breeze from in and out of the area. This transportation hub wouldn’t be complete without a live feed of public transportation times, and that’s exactly what Boston Properties requested from the Oat Foundry team.

To match the scale of the new Kendall Center project, Boston Properties commissioned our largest sign to date. This 7-row by 168-column display is 40 feet long. The sign has a colorful artboard including yellow, blue, orange, green, and pink flaps to match the rooftop patio design at 325 Main. The animations are über cool on such a wide sign.

Speaking of Uber, the sign receives live transportation updates via ActionFigure software. The integration provides a list of the closest rideshare, bus, train, and EZRide options – all within walking distance of the facility. This Split Flap has our Google Calendar integration which will display upcoming events happening on the rooftop. A sign that acts as the main wayfinding tech in a public space would not be possible without our ADA-compliant font.

TRADE AD PROGRAM

Transforms Collaboration with Architects, Designers, and Creative Directors

This year, we have launched a Trade AD Partner program to help our architectural, design, and creative channel partners even more. We have had the privilege of working with some incredible people on some amazing projects and created a special program to increase and streamline the benefits we offer.

By joining the program, members gain exclusive access to resources that enable them to create presentation assets and estimates in minutes. Moreover, dedicated sales representatives are available to assist with creative concepting, client-specific assets, and curated proposals.

All approved partners are given access to the perks of being a pro, with the potential to unlock more benefits as the partnership grows. Our timeless analog Split Flap and Picture Flap displays can be found in offices, lobbies, restaurants, and museums worldwide. These hand-built, customizable products seamlessly blend with any architectural layout, allowing partners to tailor designs to clients’ brands and visions.

The Trade program perks include discounts on hardware and software, a dedicated representative for assistance with concepts, estimates, and proposals, and access to exclusive resources such as high-resolution renders and product specifications.

Do you host customers in your HQ? Would you benefit from having a sandbox sign in your space? To further enhance collaboration, we offer a Not-For-Resale Program, providing discounts of up to 50% on installations for partners’ offices. This immersive experience allows partners to witness the magic of our kinetic, multi-sensory products firsthand, ultimately inspiring more creative and captivating designs in their projects.

Let’s build cool stuff together, Mark Kuhn IV CEO

RENTALS

There was a time when air travel represented the height of luxury. We’d toss on our three-piece suits, furs, shined shoes and take to the skies with PanAm. It was an experience in itself just being on a plane. The Palm Beaches marketing organization strived to bring back the nostalgia of what flying once was through their Golden Age of Travel pop-up event in Grand Central Station.

Upon entering the historic terminal, travelers were greeted by flight attendants dressed to the nines in teal suits and garrison caps. One of the flight attendants then greeted you with a “Hello, welcome aboard Palm Beach Air!” The pop-up featured everything from vintage furniture, luggage, and the fuselage of an aircraft right inside Vanderbilt Hall. Those catching their trains surely felt they walked back in time. Travelers were able to sit in chairs by Hans Wegner next to a pile of vintage suitcases as if you were waiting in a terminal in 1960. You could even buckle up in airline seating inside the plane and look out the window to a view of glamorous West Palm Beach. No matter what you enjoyed at the pop-up there was the subtle sound of a departures board that complemented the tunes of Frank Sinatra and Buddy Holly.

The Golden Age of Travel wouldn’t have been complete without a Split Flap display. The board rotated between departure times and messages about the event and attracted an ample amount of attention through social media posts and selfies.

Although this was one of our standard displays, the Split Flap was encased in a custom frame that gave off TWA Hotel vibes. Split Flap signs are now being used in restaurants, bars, offices, and lobbies that don’t always represent the mid-19th century time period when Split Flap displays were most prominent. Seeing one inside one of the most known travel hubs in the world was quite the treat and now some can say they saw a Split Flap in Grand Central Station once again.

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Walden University is an online school offering various undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. Founded in 1970, Walden emphasizes social change and offers programs in fields like education, healthcare, business, psychology, and public administration. It aims to provide accessible education to a diverse student population globally. Walden offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs and over 260 concentrations and specializations. Enrollment is around 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students.

Walden University’s nursing program is the #1 provider of advanced nursing degrees in the United States. They partner with over 300 professional health organizations to foster their nurses’ professional development. Walden does a great job of advertising these distinctions online as well as at conference and trade shows.

Walden’s Nursing Program purchased one of our refurbished 3 Row and 15 Column Split Flap displays for use in their conference booth. The sign is small enough to travel around the country and large enough to fit messaging that promotes its highly accredited academic program.

One of the events Walden attended was the ANCC National Magnet Conference – an annual event organized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It brings together healthcare professionals from around the world to share knowledge and advancements in nursing practice. The conference focuses on promoting excellence in nursing and recognizing organizations that have achieved Magnet status. Attendees engage in educational sessions, networking opportunities, and explore the latest innovations in nursing care.

Walden popped up their booth to meet over 10,000 nurses from all over the country. Although the conference was local to Oat Foundry, Walden University has owned their Split Flap for months prior to the event. It was a great time meeting up with their team in our home city!

R&D AT OAT FOUNDRY

Always Inspired, Always Improving.

We have always been on a mission to build cool stuff – it’s been our ethos since Oat Foundry’s inception. Over the years, we’ve designed and built a variety of custom projects; industrial coffee-extraction rigs, play-calling signage for The Philadelphia Eagles, high-speed bottling automation – to name a few. Each new development involves physical, analog tech, and each new project is a chance to grow. We take a three-pronged approach to Research and Development.

REVISIONING

We are always iterating on our existing products. In the seven years of building Split Flap, we have overhauled every sub-system of the product, so much so that the only thing that remains constant is the nostalgic look and sound. Often these changes were spurred by adopting new manufacturing techniques, working closely with our vendors to improve the product. Sometimes these changes made production easier for our team and the space we are building in.

One of the most pivotal revisions we ever made was the modularization of our housings. Updating the housing turned long lead, expensive custom parts into repeatable, expandable, and in some cases, reusable parts. Sign size is no longer limited by fitting through doors or lengths of sheet metal. This particular design change allowed us to build a 40foot Split Flap. Other revisions have improved versatility, usability, and user experience for our clients.

CUSTOM REQUESTS

Our team tackles many custom requests from clients annually. Rather than rolling these out to all product builds, these are typically one-time designs. They offer a unique opportunity to take a chance on something wild and learn something new. Some of the craziest designs we’ve brought to life include a curved Split Flap, concave with a 272-inch radius. We made a custom 9-inch version of our Picture Flap with 50% more images. We designed a beautiful, art deco-inspired frame with bullnose corners for a classic train station style Split Flap installation.

NEW PRODUCTS

In addition to iterating on our current product offerings, R&D at Oat Foundry designs new, innovative products. After years of building and shipping Split Flap displays around the world, we created the Picture Flap display. Picture Flap takes inspiration from the bones of Split Flap. The design is scaled up and intended for a visual medium, rather than alphanumeric. Picture Flaps easily expand to any size a client could ask for – and we’ve seen some truly awe-inspiring scope requests. Picture Flap has now shipped all across the United States. The first international installation is coming soon!

In 2021, the R&D team worked on developing Mellowtron, an interactive tool that reimagines the customer shopping experience at dispensaries. Mellowtron uses powerful software to recommend products available in store best suited to your desired mood. Similarly, we’ve explored this style of interactive recommendations for: cocktails, books, beer, clothing, wayfinding, snacks, travel destinations, and more. All of this came from listening to what our customers were asking for; more ways to engage with the product, invite people to play, and to bring tactile experience to the forefront. Let’s surprise and delight.

Product design is an art. It takes years of development, prototyping, and testing. It takes an intimate knowledge of the vendors we work most closely with, partnered with a customer-focused approach. The R&D team draw inspiration from our team internally, from potential clients and sometimes, just looking at everyday objects with new eyes. Our team has big plans to continue expanding our product offerings in the analog realm. It’s what we love, it’s what makes us tick, and we cannot wait to show you what’s next. Stay tuned…

Matt Kelly Marketing Manager

EXPERIENCE DESIGN

An Oat Foundry Specialty

Our team takes pride in crafting one-of-a-kind experiences. Over the years, we have developed custom settings, software, and interfaces to pair with all of our analog products. Customizations afford our clients and their guests the ability to have more fun, memorable experiences.

Take our award winning Mellowtron, for example. At first glance, it looks like an old-school mixing board. Underneath the surface, it is a stateof-the-art recommendation engine. Any dispensary shopper can select their desired mood on the interactive, retro synthesizer and receive the closest available product in stock… in seconds. We hide all of the machine learning, coding, indexing, and API behind the scenes and show only the magic. The interactive control panel connects to our classic Split Flap displays, flipping train station style to reveal your personalized flower, edible, and cartridge recommendations.

Not only does Mellowtron give accurate recommendations for new cannabis shoppers in a simple, memorable, and fun way, but it is also multi-sensory: adding to customer brand retention. Mellowtron is the intersection of utility and experiential design, helping shoppers navigate the myriad robust product offerings through an experience they won’t forget. The recommendation tool was a hit at cannabis conferences nationwide and won the bronze Clio Award for Experience/Activation.

Another approach we have to upping the experiential ante is with custom software integrations. Our team of brilliant developers and software engineers create all kinds of apps to make our already incredible physical boards even more dynamic. My favorite example of this is when Carnival Cruise lines came to us with a fun challenge: expand the existing control system to use MIDI inputs and become part of the show on board their newest cruise ship: the Celebration. The production team pre-selected the lines and timing as part of an expertly choreographed show wherein the sign indicates to guests each era as they journey through time. The Split Flap automatically detects when it should flip to different messages throughout the show and even coordinates with their lighting system.

Guests are absolutely astounded as the performance comes on nightly throughout each journey all over the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean.

Another favorite is when internationally famous Magic and Puzzle Youtuber Chris Ramsay (@ChrisRamsay52) sketched the idea for a custom “Solved!” button paired with his Split Flap. This button became an integral part of his program while solving new and incredible puzzles.

No less amazing – though perhaps less theatrical – is how our team has written code to display stock prices, PGA scores, sports betting odds, flight times, and even programmed two Split Flaps to talk to each other.

Excellent experiential design is the intentional creation of immersive and memorable experiences that engage multiple senses and evoke emotional responses. It combines elements of aesthetics, storytelling, technology, and human interaction to design spaces, events, and products that leave a lasting impact on individuals, fostering meaningful connections and engagement.

Let’s build something cool!

Kristy Brunhofer Director of Sales

arrow crating / 16, 17

B C D F G H I K

barstool / 38, 39

best friends animal society / 94, 96, 97, 120

the block / 22, 82, 83

boston properties / 105

bourque, caitlin / 63

broken records / 44, 45

brunhofer, kristy / 119

buck & rider / 54, 55

carnival cruiseline / 46, 47, 119

carolina timberworks / 90, 91

citizen by klutch / 62, 63

CLIO / 118, 119

cohen, suzy / 26, 30

deadwords / 34, 40, 41, 42, 43

delta / 21, 98, 110

fetters, dan / 10, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30

flight wine + chocolate / 21

general metal company / 13, 27

glossier / 64, 65, 66, 67

grand central station / 112, 113

guardhouse / 18, 19, 21

human managed / 98, 99

hussey, charles / 117

imperial war museum / 21

J

joe the architect / 45

joliet museum / 92, 93

kelly, matt / 102, 116

klutch cannabis / 62, 63

KPOD / 50, 51, 52, 53

kuhn, mark / 1, 108

L M

INDEX A N P R S T

LGO hospitality / 55

mellowtron / 116, 117, 118, 119

MIT / 105

moxy nooga / 76, 84, 85

nayax / 88, 100, 101

new york or nowhere / 60, 70, 71, 72, 73

ngs printing / 13

nolita hall / 48, 56, 57, 58, 59

novak, chris / 14, 18, 19, 29

nuart graphics / 12, 13

palm beach air / 112, 113

philadelphia eagles / 116

ramsay, chris / 119

rentals / 110, 112, 114

RISE dispensary / 68, 69

ritz-carlton / 86, 87

rossiter, sean / 9, 11, 17, 25, 28

salmon, jon / 9

samsung / 74, 75

satterfield, david / 41

shinola detroit / 33

stanton & bowery / 39

starr, stephen / 51

station craft / 36, 37, 109

stokes architecture + design / 51

tangara, sid / 8

trade program / 108

V U

W

union station / 78, 79, 80, 81

van bemmel, sarah / 32

vintage broncos / 125

walden university / 114, 115

wilson, colleen / 20

IMAGE CREDITSIMAGE CREDITS