PrintPlace proudly partnered with Jan De Nul on a project marking the Laying of the First Stone of Hortus Conclusus, a new penal institution set to be constructed in Antwerp, Belgium. Departing from the traditional concrete handprint ceremony typically held to signify the commencement of construction projects, Jan De Nul sought a fresh, digital alternative. They turned to PrintPlace to devise a custom scanning device for capturing handprints during the symbolic inauguration. PrintPlace swiftly conceptualized and designed the scanning device, incorporating Hortus Conclusus branding and eye-catching LED lights to highlight the event’s significance (text continues below).

Additionally, PrintPlace crafted several molds for casting small “Antwerpse Handjes” (a local symbol), using the same concrete intended for the prison’s construction. Employing 3D scanning technology, we meticulously captured real “Antwerpse Handjes” to design the molds, ensuring authenticity. These custom-crafted molds enabled Jan De Nul to create concrete “Antwerpse Handjes” replicas, which were presented in elegant gift boxes to distinguished guests at the event, including Secretary of State Mathieu Michel and Minister of Justice Paul Van Tigchelt.

The event was also covered by Belgian National Television (VRT NWS).