TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES 65
Over the past few years, houses of worship have increasingly adopted audio-visual shows as a means of engaging congregations, reaching wider audiences and supporting the multi-purpose use of their numerous facilities. Modern worship spaces now rely heavily on advanced audio-visual systems to enhance in-person services through clear audio, visual lyrics and dynamic presentations, while also enabling high-quality live streaming and virtual/remote worship experiences. Video integration has become commonplace, ranging from basic projection to immersive multi- camera productions and large- scale video wall installations. These flexible audio-visual solutions allow houses of worship to operate not only as spiritual spaces, but also as community centres, concert venues and event locations. Several high-profile houses of worship have showcased the impact of new AV technologies, including the reopening of the Notre-Dame de Paris in December 2024. The cathedral opened with a large-scale projection mapping show set to a soundtrack by French DJ and producer Michael Canitrot. The production utilised 30 Panasonic PT-RQ35 projectors that were supplied by Alabama Media and powered by Modulo Pi’s Modulo Kinetic media servers. The opening ceremony, led by French president Emmanuel Macron, was attended by heads of state and dignitaries from around the world and also drew global attention to the historical building. Projection mapping installations, which combine digital artistry with historic architecture, have proven especially popular in churches and cultural landmarks across Europe in recent years. A useful example is the Eonarium Experiences tour, organised by the Zurich-based artist collective Projektil, which features immersive 360° light and sound shows lasting between 30 and 45 minutes. As worship practices continue to evolve, the role of AV technology in maintaining engagement has only become increasingly clear. Further to this, large-scale AV productions have demonstrated their ability to attract public interest and play an essential role in connecting with broader communities. Luminiscence is just one of the many immersive shows leading the charge in bringing more attention and attracting global audiences to houses of worship. HOUSES OF WORSHIP: A FLOURISHING FIELD
in every direction. “Equally, another challenge has been choosing which parts of the city’s character and history to include in the Christopher Eccleston narrated voiceover script – not to mention choosing from hundreds of classic Mancunian anthems which songs should make it into the show!” CARVING WITH LIGHT Luminiscence uses a range of high- end technical equipment, including high-grade laser projectors,
not impact the fabric of the building in any way, to the manner in which technical equipment can be loaded in by the production team. The medieval cathedral and its sensitivities are what determine everything.” Given the architectural layout of the space – everywhere you look there is something breathtaking – the biggest challenge was actually choosing which areas to highlight with the projection and which to light in the background to ensure there is something magical
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