Unicef and Domestic Data Streamers have collaborated with BCN3D to create an art installation depicted in the streets of Paris in the form of 3D printed busts to raise social awareness of the issues children face as a result of the mental health pandemic and social stigma.
Barcelona, Spain – October 28, 2021 – Faced with the complexity of anxiety, stress and depression problems caused by the pandemic, Unicef approached creative agency Domestic Data Streamers with a shocking report on the number of children suffering from these disorders in France. Domestic Data Streamers took this information and created 10 busts of real children for a thought-provoking art installation in the streets of Paris.
Spreading the Word
With millions of people around the world experiencing feelings stemming from these new non-pandemic situations, Unicef and Domestic Data Streamers agreed that it was time to take a crucial stand, ensuring that children will be part of the discussion at the World Mental Health Summit 2021 in Paris.
Busts of ten children with various mental health problems were printed using 3D printing technology, each representing the alarming figure of 100,000 children aged 15-24 suffering from anxiety or depression in France.
Usually, we do homages to kings and queens and older people and conquerors. We thought it would be a beautiful idea to pay homage to all these young people who have been suffering in especially difficult conditions during the pandemic.
Martina Nadal, Head of Social Impact at Domestic Data Streamers
For three days, they decided to tackle the social stigma of mental health by taking the iFor three days, they chose to take the mental health awareness art installation to the streets for visibility and accessibility to everyone, as mental health is something that affects all ages. The setting not only engaged members of the public but specifically targeted the policy-makers of the summit as they entered.
The printed parts were accompanied by volunteers, who told real stories of their own experiences with mental health struggles in the hope that their own experiences could help othThe printed parts were accompanied by volunteers, who told real stories of their own experiences with mental health struggles in the hope that their own experiences could help others. The volunteers covered a vast range of topics such as racism, cyberbullying, and the pressure of having such a busy school schedule that they lacked the time to truly get to know themselves.
From the 3D printer to the streets of Paris
For this project, time was of the essence, as was attention to detail. 3D printing provided the faFor this project, time was of the essence, as was attention to detail. 3D printing provided the quick production they were looking for, without compromising the quality that could be obtained for the replicas of real children’s faces. Since Domestic Data Streamers have frequently worked with us at BCN3D and use our printers for their prototyping, testing, and production processes, they decided to make use of the print farm of Epsilon W50s in our offices in Barcelona.
The busts were printed in ABS to achieve a smooth finish and then painted in bright colours.
We chose to use colours in the installation, firstly because although mental health is a really serious topic we wanted it to be cheerful because it speaks of childhood, and also because this way we could represent diversity.
Natalia Santolaria, creative director of Domestic Data Streamers
The images of these busts boldly placed against the backdrop of Parisian monuments were certainly not to be missed. The conversations held, combined with Domestic Data Streamer’s innovation with new technologies and Unicef’s ongoing efforts to promote understanding of mental health issues, will surely continue to spread far and wide.
About BCN3D
Based in Barcelona, we are one of the leading developers and manufacturers of 3D printing solutions in the world. We firmly believe in delivering the best quality tools to both professionals and industry level users. Above all, our goal is to enable creators and innovators to materialize their ideas by providing a platform for creation. Some of our clients include Nissan, BMW, NASA, Camper, Louis Vuitton and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). www.bcn3d.com
Contact
David Martínez
PR and Media relations manager
BCN3D
PHONE: +34 935 95 43 43
EMAIL: dmartinez@bcn3d.com
