Solari board

Solari board. A Solari board is a type of electromechanical split-flap display used extensively for public information, most famously in airports and railway stations. Invented and manufactured by the Italian firm Solari di Udine, these boards became iconic for their distinctive, rhythmic clacking sound as flaps rotated to reveal new information. Their robust design and clear visibility made them a global standard for passenger information systems throughout the mid-to-late 20th century.

History and development

The technology originated from earlier flap-based indicators used in Italy and was perfected by Remigio Solari and his company in the post-war era. The design was heavily influenced by the need for reliable, centralized information displays in the rapidly expanding civil aviation and European rail network sectors. Key patents were filed in the 1950s, with significant installations following at major hubs like Roma Termini and London Paddington station. The company's partnership with Alitalia and various national railway authorities solidified its market dominance, with exports reaching North America and Asia by the 1960s.

Design and operation

Each unit consists of a series of alphanumeric modules, with individual flaps made of aluminum or plastic mounted on a rotating mechanism. An electric motor or solenoid drives the movement, controlled by a central computer system or hard-wired relay logic. The boards are renowned for their distinct auditory signature, a rapid cascade of clicks and clacks, produced by the flaps snapping into place. This electromechanical operation proved exceptionally durable in high-traffic environments, outlasting early electronic displays in terms of visibility and maintenance under constant use.

Applications and usage

The primary application was as departure boards and arrival boards in major transportation terminals. Iconic installations included Grand Central Terminal in New York City, Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, and Heathrow Airport in London. Beyond transit, they were used in stock exchanges like the Borsa Italiana, broadcasting studios for program schedules, and factory floors for production data. Their ability to handle real-time updates from a single source made them integral to the operations of Amtrak, British Rail, and Lufthansa during their peak.

Cultural impact and legacy

The sound and motion of the boards became deeply embedded in the travel experience, symbolizing the mid-century Jet Age and the romance of rail travel. They have been featured prominently in films such as *The Italian Job* and *Catch Me If You Can*, and their aesthetic inspired the title sequence of the television series *Mad Men*. The distinctive click-clack is often used in audio design to evoke nostalgia for analog technology. Institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Science Museum, London have preserved units as icons of industrial design.

Modern equivalents and successors

Widespread decommissioning began in the 1990s with the advent of low-cost, versatile LED displays and LCD screens, which are quieter and easier to integrate with digital networks. Companies like Samsung and LG Corporation now dominate the market for large-format public displays. However, a niche revival exists for retro aesthetics, with modern reinterpretations using servomotors produced for boutique hotels and corporate lobbies. The original manufacturer, Solari di Udine, continues to produce updated split-flap designs and provides maintenance for historic installations, preserving a tangible link to the analog information age.

Category:Information display devices Category:Italian inventions Category:Aviation technology