Projection mapping is a powerful way to add a twist to any event. It can be used to highlight sponsor branding or even create a cinema-style narrative.
The first step in projection mapping is selecting your canvas. This can be anything from a building to a translucent backdrop.
Some of the most popular canvases for projection mapping are sculptures and other 3D objects.
1. Immersive Environments
With projection mapping, lighting can be manipulated to make any surface appear three-dimensional. It can be used to create an immersive environment for a concert or a stage show. It can also be used to highlight a product in an ad or a retail space. Projection mapping can even be combined with augmented reality and virtual reality for an immersive experience that is both engaging and memorable.
The best part is that it doesn’t require the physical props that you would normally need to use for an event, which cuts down on storage, transportation and setup costs. You can also get really creative with projection mapping and turn the most ordinary object into something completely extraordinary. For example, a basketball court can be used to transport fans into a virtual world or an event space can become a city skyline.
You can even use projection mapping to make the audience feel like they are inside a movie. For example, a giant screen can be used to project a night sky and stars onto the floor. The images can be so realistic that your brain thinks you’re sitting under the stars in a field somewhere.
Projection mapping has been used by a number of artists and producers to create unique experiences. It was first used in Broadway in the 1984 production of Sunday in the Park with George by James Lapine. This was the first show that was fully projection mapped.
2. Interactive Environments
Projection mapping is used to animate and transform skyscrapers, sculptures, or even ordinary objects into glowing, kinetic art. Many shows using this technique are promotional affairs, but it’s also an impressive way to add drama or spectacle to a live event.
With this technology, it’s possible to make an entire city seem to come alive at night or turn a building into the backdrop of an epic battle. It can also be used to create a dazzling show for indoor events.
The value of projection mapping lies in the fact that it can provide an unforgettable experience for attendees and give them something to talk about and share on social media. It can also bring in new customers by giving them an experience they won’t find anywhere else.
While 3D mapping can be very expensive, it offers the ultimate “Wow” factor. And unlike other technologies, such as virtual reality or augmented reality, it can be affixed to any object and can change shape, size, color and position.
Adding interactive elements to your projection mapping show can further enhance its impact. For example, you could use motion sensors to interact with the image and change it as the audience moves around. You can also have algorithm-driven interaction by modifying the projection in real time based on what the audience is doing. For instance, at London’s V&A Museum, a machine-intelligent sand table became an interactive satellite-view landscape that responded to the audience’s actions in real time — piling up sand resulted in a snowy mountain peak, while digging a hole caused the sea to fill with water.
3. Interactive Content
Projection mapping is an exciting way to add wow factor to any event, but it can be difficult to plan and execute. It requires a great deal of preparation and specialized software to get the best results, so it’s a technology that is usually reserved for larger events that have a team dedicated to the task. The first step is selecting a canvas – it can be anything from a stage to a building to a translucent backdrop, but most people choose surfaces that can be mapped with 3D elements.
The next step is to design the content – it can be animation, video, branding, abstract, technical, surreal, or something else entirely. The most important aspect of this is that it must be suited to the surface it will be projected on, like a suit fitted for a body – it can only look right on one specific object or space.
Once the design is complete, it is time to start planning the execution. This is where projection mapping really comes into its own, as it offers a variety of ways to bring the creative content to life. For example, a live performance of Game of Thrones can be brought to life on the facade of a concert hall and attendees will feel like they are in Westeros themselves.
4. Call to Action
Projection mapping can transform a building’s exterior or interior into a dynamic canvas for entertainment and advertising. While many businesses opt for 3D projection mapping, 2D can be equally impressive when it is done right. The key to success is to choose the correct location and surface.
While most often associated with music events, projection mapping can be used at any type of event to entertain and inform audiences. For example, a company’s logo can be projected onto the side of a skyscraper for all to see at a conference or gala dinner.
Projection mapping is also a great way to add theater to a ballroom event or bring museum pieces to life. At London’s V&A Museum, for instance, a machine-intelligent sand table allowed audiences to interact with the installation by changing the projection – piling up sand triggered a snowy mountain peak and digging a hole caused water to flood in.
While it seems like projection mapping is just for entertainment, businesses have actually used this technology to encourage or convince audiences to take a desired action. Nightclubs use projection mapping to draw crowds into the dance floor, while art galleries have used trails of light to guide viewers around exhibits.