INDUSTRY. PROJECTION MAPPING
Scratch the surface Experiential design is on the rise. Pop-up exhibitions of immersive artwork – displayed using mapping – are now projected on all kinds of exteriors
WORDS. Adrian Pennington IMAGES. Various
P rojection mapping is a technique used to create the optical illusion of 3D effects on an object or building. The artistic manipulation of light transforms virtually any surface into an immersive canvas and attention-grabbing experience, captivating large audiences. It’s especially popular as an urban art technique, using public buildings and iconic landmarks as display surfaces. “We’re seeing a lot more mapping, whether that’s 2D immersive art or 3D mapping onto sculptures,” says Steve Selwyn, director at Mirage Associates – Dataton’s UK and ROI partner. “Even in educational institutions or architect’s offices, everyone wants to see something a bit different.” It goes without saying that there’s a significant difference between projecting a 2D image onto a flat and uniform screen, and projecting onto medieval
façades or monumental constructions which vary in form, colour and structure. That’s why projection mapping requires specialised software for content creation and previsualisation. The software integrates all necessary data of the imaging object and the surroundings to build up the project virtually. Previsualisation teaches you a lot about how the light falls on certain angles and what the content looks like from many different perspectives. “It’s especially popular as an urban art technique, using public buildings and iconic landmarks as canvases”
ABSORBING IT The depth of colour and sheer size of the projections make it seem as though you are part of the historic works
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