LIVE Autumn 2024 – Web

As summer sadly draws to a close, we are here to cheer you up with the autumn issue of LIVE! This issue centres on the profitable projection mapping market, looking at three cases that emphasise how far this tech can go. Also, from fitness apps and watches to virtual reality rehab programmes, the wellness industry is on the up – along with an increased overall awareness of mental health issues. LIVE explores AV's part to play. Elsewhere, our round table gathers experts to discuss the growth of AV over IP – while this issue's buyers' guide sounds out the best audio set-ups available. Finally, from Abba Voyage to visionary corporate and learning spaces, our immersive tech special sheds light on the revolutionary tech powering interactive experiences. All this, and more!

PLUS Adam Corrie’s mission to make AV education accessible to the next generation

IMMERSIVE TOOLS Groundbreaking kit to power interactive experiences IP ROUND TABLE Our expert panel discusses why AV over IP is on the up

LIVEMAG.ONLINE

AUTUMN 2024

WELLNESS TECH How AV innovation boosts quality of life

BUYERS’ GUIDE Find the sound system set-up for you

“The experience elevates into emotional abstraction ” AV artist Julian Hölscher on the MehlWelten Museum project

The world’s most ingenious projection mapping installations – and what you can learn from them

WELCOME

EDITORIAL Editor Verity Butler +44 (0) 1223 492246 veritybutler@bright.uk.com

Senior staff writer Katie Kasperson Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editor Minhaj Zia Junior sub editor Molly Constanti ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith +44 (0) 1223 499457 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com +44 (0) 1223 499462 +44 (0) 7376 665779 emmastevens@bright.uk.com Sales manager Gabrielle Pitts +44 (0) 1223 492244 gabriellepitts@bright.uk.com Sales manager Emma Stevens Senior designer Carl Golsby Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Design manager Alan Gray Design director Andy Jennings PUBLISHING Managing directors Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck DESIGN Ad production Holly May

THE WORLD IS YOUR CANVAS...

W ithout a shadow of a doubt, projection mapping has taken the AV industry by storm over recent years, dazzling spectators across the planet with hypnotic displays cast onto every 3D surface imaginable. One of my favourite examples of late even managed to carve its name into the Guinness World Records, as the world’s largest projection mapping installation. Looming over the bustling city streets of Shinjuku in Tokyo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was morphed into a canvas which demonstrated a mesmerising display of light and colour. This issue, we explore the profitable projection mapping market, looking at three cases that emphasise how far this tech can go. From fitness apps and watches to virtual reality rehab programmes, the wellness industry is on the up, in line with increased awareness about mental health as a whole. LIVE takes a deep dive into restorative waters to determine AV’s part to play in this groundbreaking crossover between healthcare and technology.

Our round table gathers experts to discuss the growth of AV over IP – and how best to leverage it – while this issue’s buyers’ guide sounds out the best audio set-ups available. Keen on interactive experiences? Be sure to head to page 44, where we delve into the tools that are becoming essential ingredients to an immersive environment recipe. From Abba Voyage to visionary corporate and learning spaces, we shed light on the revolutionary tech behind these experiences. Finally, make sure to catch this issue’s Industry Icons, where LIVE meets interdisciplinary creative technologist Adam Corrie to learn about his colourful career. He also shares his passion for increasing accessibility to AV education, with an infectious zeal for ensuring the next generation of talent.

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CONTENTS

LIVE.

06 NEWS AND UPDATES

Catch up with the latest projects, product launches and experiences rocking the industry

16 PROJECTION MAPPING LIVE goes behind the scenes of three mesmerising projection mapping installations

28 ROUND TABLE

Join this issue’s expert panel as it ruminates on AV over IP’s powerful grip on the industry

SPONSORED CONTENT

26 CVP 52 MPB 61 LIGHTWARE

36 WELLNESS TECH

As awareness of mental health and wellbeing improves, so does the AV innovation surrounding it

44 IMMERSIVE TOOLS

62 INNOVATOR PROFILES Our regular segment profiling the movers and shakers who form AV’s deep pool of talent

Discover the technology that’s accelerating the immersive experience movement

72 BUYERS’ GUIDE

54 INDUSTRY ICONS

Adam Corrie reflects on his career and underlines the importance of educating the next wave of talent

Sound makes up 50% of AV, but finding the perfect set-up can be tough – we’re here to help

MEDIA PARTNERS

This issue’s cover was designed by Carl Golsby at Bright Publishing

CONTENTS

NEWS

Miami University has established itself as a leader in virtual production (VP) and extended reality (XR) education, with around 70 students enrolled on related courses. Demand for VP-trained professionals is only growing as the technology solidifies itself as an essential tool in today’s creative arsenal. The university’s newly opened McVey Data Science Building houses a state-of-the-art Immersive and Reactive Lab and XR Stage, which is equipped with a 44x16ft Roe Visual LED wall and 50x70ft stage. Stage Precision’s SP software unifies the studio’s VP workflow, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with Unreal Engine, Notch and Touch Designer, as well as lens calibration and camera tracking technology. Like a growing number of higher-education institutions, Miami University is preparing students for successful careers in the evolving production industry. By integrating SP into its curriculum, the university is setting a new standard for both VP and XR training, empowering students with the skills needed to excel in this highly technical field. ON THE RISE

NEWS

Blink-182’s One More Time Tour is a lively event, with lights, pyrotechnics and fireworks that mirror the band’s high-energy performance. The stage design – an integral component of the show – is LED-focused, powered by two Green Hippo Hippotizer media servers. Crafted by LA-based Trask House, the show’s visuals – a blend of rendered graphics, live camera feeds and real-time effects – are brought fully to life by the Hippotizer Tierra+ MK2 servers. With four LED screens made of Roe Visual CB8 panels and a custom stage floor created by SGPS, the entire performance space becomes a brilliant light source. The Hippotizer servers allow the tour’s team to deliver an unforgettable experience for Blink-182 fans, showcasing the US rock band’s music in a visually bold environment. ALL THE SMALL THINGS

SOUTHERN NIGHTS

ALT students – alongside an experienced crew – built and managed the stage throughout the festival. “We were more than pleased to put some of our latest pro lighting gear in the hands of students,” commented Graham Hill, business development manager at Elation. “Our support in helping ALT develop a much-needed pool of skilled talent in the industry is crucial, while it reinforces our belief and commitment to education and professional development. It’s not just about supplying equipment; it’s about investing in the future of the industry.”

There are few better spots for live music than Austin, Texas, where the British Music Embassy (BME) stage hosted UK talent at the annual South by Southwest event. Elation Lighting supported this year’s performances, illuminating the nation’s best emerging acts. Partnering with the Academy of Live Technology (ALT), a higher-education institution providing specialist training to live experience professionals, and Production Park, Elation supplied 18 Proteus Lucius, 18 Proteus Rayzor Blades and eight Rayzor 760s for the BME stage. Getting a taste for live AV tech,

NEWS

BULLETIN

TASTE OF THE MED Housed in Nice’s historic Gare du Sud railway station, Mediterraneo is a hub for Mediterranean cuisine and culture. Having evolved from a simple restaurant into a dynamic events space with a stage and dance floor, the venue realised its additional audio needs. Powered by KGear speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers, the new system delivers exceptional sound quality for background music and live performances alike, enabling Mediterraneo to enjoy a complete events calendar throughout the summer season. PANASONIC AND ORIX PARTNER UP Panasonic Connect and Orix Corporation are joining forces, creating a new company that will grow Panasonic’s projector and flat panel display divisions. Panasonic will retain a 20% stake, with the rest owned by Orix, though the company will operate under the Panasonic name for the foreseeable future. CLEAR-COM POWERS WEST END PRODUCTIONS Stage Sound Services has equipped two high-profile West End shows, Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix and MJ the Musical at the Prince Edward, with Clear-Com’s Arcadia intercom system (supplied by Amber Sound). Thanks to this, both productions have seen improvements in production efficiency, with clear audio and seamless communication across each venue.

FUTURE NOSTALGIA

sophisticated sound system with L-Acoustics L-ISA tech – including a 20.1 Scene System, 13 X8s, 17 5XT speakers as well as five LA7.16i amplified controllers. “The full surround configuration provides exceptional sound quality without compromising any of the space’s aesthetic splendour,” said Alexandre Tramontin of B Live, positioning Théâtre de la Ville at the forefront of performing arts.

With a rich 150-year history, Paris’ Théâtre de la Ville is culturally iconic, and renowned for modern dance, theatre and music. After a lengthy renovation, the venue wanted an audio solution that would complement its traditional architecture while elevating it to modern sonic standards. To deliver an immersive audio experience, the theatre worked closely with B Live, installing a

ESTATE AESTHETICS

Daylesford Organic Farm, a Cotswold-based estate known for its holistic approach to agriculture, wellness and fine dining, has enhanced its shop, spa, cottages and inns with Tateside audio-visual technology. A relationship that’s been eight years in the making, Tateside was well-poised to support Daylesford with AV integration throughout the entire property. Each space across the estate came with its own AV specifications. The Heritage House, which is Daylesford’s newest event space, demanded a flexible system that’s capable of handling everything from intimate gatherings to enormous celebrations – while the Club by Bamford, which is a private members’ wellness club, required more discrete and

Organic. “Now, we have ended up with a stunning solution that everyone involved has complimented.” By mixing sophisticated technology with the commitment to quality and interior design that Daylesford is known for, Tateside managed to elevate the overall guest experience.

design-centric solutions that wouldn’t disrupt the space’s serenity. Tateside also installed Bose loudspeakers throughout Daylesford Stays’ homes, the company’s collection of traditional inns. “Tateside worked seamlessly alongside our architects and IT team,” according to Bill Burles, IT manager at Daylesford

NEWS

IN THE DESERT The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is an annual two-weekend event that sees thousands of music fans descend on Indio, California. The festival has hundreds of acts, ranging from high-profile headliners to emerging indie artists, who perform across eight stages. The Yuma stage – the prime destination for house and techno music – was built to mirror a cosmopolitan nightclub; to create this pulsating atmosphere, Coachella’s stage organisers chose PK Sound’s robotic line array systems for the most impactful acoustics. The PK Sound systems offer patented multi-axis robotic technology, allowing the stage’s audio designers to project sound directionally. “Being able to robotically control the system’s acoustic coverage remotely and in real time is a huge benefit for minimising noise pollution within crowded urban areas,” said George Stavropoulos, head audio consultant for the Yuma stage. “The same principles apply when directing sound away from Yuma’s reflective tent walls to optimise clarity and punch for the packed crowd.”

A SOUND COMMUNITY

Having first heard the Panther system in action at an Ed Sheeran show, Kotthoff wanted to create a smaller-scale version. SVCC now possesses two arrays of seven loudspeakers as well as ten 2100-LFC elements – six suspended and four on the ground, acting as a sub boost. “This set-up allows us to deliver a controlled low end that projects over the crowd, creating a clean, bass-heavy experience everyone can feel and hear,” he claimed. Housing 1200 people at a time, SVCC’s main campus now benefits from clear and crisp audio, whether a pastor is speaking or the choir is singing. “There’s something special, something different about Panther,” said Chris Gille, creative solutions engineer at HouseRight, the system’s supplier and installer. “It is an immersive experience from the moment people enter the room.”

Sun Valley Community Church (SVCC), a house of worship with a congregation of 18,000 and counting, turned to Meyer Sound to enhance its audio offerings. The church, which spans seven campuses and also offers its own streaming channel, wanted to provide a more immersive experience, using the Panther linear line array loudspeakers and 2100-LFC low-frequency control elements to do so. SVCC previously housed Meyer Sound’s Leopard system at its main campus, relocating to its South Gilbert location to make way for the Panther system. The new installation supports plans to expand its programming – as well as its sense of community. “Panther transforms the worship culture entirely,” said Matt Kotthoff, SVCC’s production and integration lead director.

NEWS

THE VIKING AGE Sioux Falls’ Augustana University is the first in South Dakota to offer ice hockey at the NCAA Division I level. To support this milestone, named the Viking Bold campaign, the university built the Midco Arena, which includes 3100 seats, 12 suites, a club hospitality space and Vikings apparel shop. Z Transform designed, installed and launched the venue’s entire media workflow tech, which encompassed cameras, rigging and lighting, as well as replay systems, video mixers and audio suites in the production control room. The Midco Sports Network covers university events and local high-school matches, operating from various studios across campus, as well as an OB truck, to provide live broadcasts and streams to fans. Z Transform linked the arena with Midco Sports Network’s many locations, ensuring full coverage of both Vikings hockey and other athletics. “Z Transform has future-proofed our systems so we can produce broadcast- quality content in house, whether for sports or other events,” said Luke Groth, associate athletic director for operations at Augustana University. “Z Transform was able to balance the diverse needs of all our stakeholders, including sponsors, marketing and content creators, to build an engaging environment for everyone.”

AIRPORT PARADISE Singapore’s Changi Airport, consistently voted one of the best in the world, has raised the bar for airport experiences with two immersive installations. At the heart of Terminal 2 lie Digital Sky and Wonderfall, made by Moment Factory and Boiffils Architectures to transport travellers into Singapore’s natural environment via virtual imagery and physical furnishings. Digital Sky is an overhead LED display which rests above the airport’s Dreamscape Garden. To immerse visitors, its algorithmic soundscape has audio provided by a K-array sound system. Wonderfall, in the Departure Hall, is a four-storey digital screen measuring 18x14m. This display relies on a 34.4-megapixel LED wall that alternates images of waterfalls and ocean waves. Like Digital Sky, Wonderfall includes a lifelike soundscape served by K-array. The system’s exceptional performance, compact design and weather resistance make it ideal for both hybrid environments.

NEWS

BULLETIN

NO CEILINGS Manchester Printworks has undergone a renovation worth £27 million, which included the installation of Europe’s largest digital ceiling. This 1000 sq m screen uses AR technology to display CG content 24/7, while Renkus-Heinz delivers crystal- clear sound for the venue. A MERGING MARKET Vizrt’s new PTZ3 Plus and UHD Plus cameras are bridging the gap between broadcast and pro AV. With advanced features like AI talent tracking, phantom power and seamless AR integration, these cameras deliver high-quality video for any live production. Wuhan’s Forever Club, a Chinese entrepreneur decided to build his own venue around a KV2 sound system. The result is Meishan’s KV2 Hub, a lavish 2300 sq m space featuring cutting-edge AV tech. Offering an immersive experience, KV2 Hub aims to redefine Chinese nightlife and further expand its international influence. PLIANT TAKES THE STAGE With decades of expertise in equipment rental, particularly to musicals, concerts and outdoor events, Sound Associates is a leader in the field, providing clients with a collection of professional audio products. MEISHAN AFTER DARK Impressed by the audio at Recently, the company adopted Pliant Technologies’ CrewCom CB2 and CrewCom 900MHz wireless intercom systems to continually meet its customers’ production requirements.

SYNCING UP

“The intuitive features and speedy, precise measuring capabilities of the MatchBox system made it the obvious choice to fine-tune video and audio synchronisation in our quest to improve our broadcast operations,” concluded Bill Ward, the head of broadcasting at the Scottish Parliament.

and MatchBox Analyser, as well as the MatchBox Glass app. The complete solution aligns the parliament chamber’s multiple cameras and screens – which operate under various latencies – and provides a coherent viewing experience for all remote contributors and any spectators watching the broadcast.

The Scottish Parliament, also known as Holyrood, is employing Hitomi Broadcast’s MatchBox system to ensure AV synchronisation during hybrid parliamentary sessions. Having faced prior challenges with lip-sync and video delay, the Scottish Parliament has adopted both the MatchBox Generator

On 14 July, France celebrated Bastille Day with its annual RED, WHITE AND BLUE

Concert de Paris. For the 12th time, the event chose Lawo’s IP audio technology – including the mc²96 and mc²56 consoles – to handle its live audio. Thanks to Lawo, the concert delivered flawless sound quality to the French public broadcasters, the Eurovision network and, by extension, millions of listeners and viewers around the world.

MADE TO MEET

Switcher handling source switching and screen sharing. A Poly X70 video conferencing unit – which features built-in audio, touchscreen control panels and a sleek design – was mounted below. “This solution enhances

Multichoice, one of Africa’s leading satellite TV providers, recently renovated its Namibia headquarters with a new video conferencing system in its boardroom. Apix Digital Solutions and Stage Audio Works (SAW) co-led the project,

productivity and ensures a much more engaging, feature-rich online meeting experience,” said Rowan Kleintjes, MD at Apix. “SAW Namibia consulted from the start and closely monitored every step of the way during the installation and deployment phases, making sure everything was covered.”

upgrading displays, installing high- quality conferencing equipment and optimising the 14-capacity meeting room’s content-sharing capabilities. Apix and SAW selected two Samsung QB75B 75in UHD LED displays, with an Atlona 4K/UHD HDR HDMI Matrix

NEWS

BULLETIN

SWISS SPORTING SPECTACLE A traditional yet offbeat martial art, Schwingen (also known as ‘trouser wrestling’) is one of Switzerland’s national sports, celebrated annually at the NWS Championship. Designed to accommodate thousands of spectators, the open-air venue demanded exceptional sound coverage. This year’s event included an audio system with 16 Wharfedale Pro line array loudspeakers and two amplifiers, providing the best possible audio to visitors and broadcasters alike.

A BRIGHT IDEA FOR COMPLEX TRACKING

operators in the lighting rig above the stage,” explained Patrick Lenkeit, technical director at Bright. “Without an automated tracking solution, this effect would not have been possible.” “We have worked closely with Stage Precision for a long time and knew they were looking to develop an optical tracking feature within SP,” recalls Philip Neyses, head of the Bright technical department. “The needs of the Friedrichstadt- Palast team led to development of this new feature in SP, resulting in a scalable option for the lighting and audio tracking in the show.” slightly different set-up. Both the Anya 3-Way Full-Range Adaptive Array Module and the Otto Adaptive Subwoofer allow for precise sound control and high audio quality, ensuring intelligibility throughout the 100,000+ capacity stadium, including the premium seating area. The venue’s new system, combined with upgraded video boards, has totally transformed the atmosphere at football games. “The university’s commitment to delivering unparalleled AV experiences to fans is underscored by the integration of EAW technology,” said Haley, “marking a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance stadium infrastructure.”

Michigan Stadium, home of the University of Michigan’s college football team, underwent a multi-million-dollar project – led by Paul Haley, the lead audio-visual engineer at University of Michigan Athletics – to enhance the stadium’s AV systems and elevate the game-day experience for its spectators. Eastern Acoustic Works’ (EAW) Anya and Otto systems played a critical role in the audio upgrade. The university previously used EAW equipment in its Yost Ice Arena, though Michigan Stadium – being the largest stadium in the United States (even larger than those used by the NFL) – required a THE BIG HOUSE The Friedrichstadt-Palast is a hub for cultural and artistic excellence in Berlin dating back to 1919. One of the largest and most prominent theatres in the capital, its latest show Falling in Love is filled with colour, costumes and 100 artists on the ‘largest theatre stage in the world’. Visual design and tech studio Bright played a pivotal role in lighting and audio for the show. A key requirement was backlighting for the three central characters. Throughout the show, each one is followed by a coloured spotlight. “There was not enough room for three manual spotlight

OVERHEAD EXPLORATION

From 26 to 29 June, immersive film festival Over Exposed invited audiences to experience the pure power of connection through a 360° dome. Taking place at the Old Waiting Room in Peckham, the event showcased untold stories from female, non-binary and non-human perspectives. Over Exposed is pushing the boundaries of the ‘planetarium’ format, transforming it into a space for artistic expression. SIT BACK, RELAX Renowned for its premium audio solutions, Genelec’s Smart IP is transforming retail spaces. Natick, Massachusetts’ Jesamondo Salon & Spa is a prime example of this success story. The salon’s owner, Matt Traiger, wanted to create a chic yet relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by high-quality sound. By incorporating Genelec Smart IP speakers and on-wall dials, Jesamondo Salon & Spa has managed to achieve Traiger’s desired ambience and deliver an exceptional sonic experience.

NEWS

Riedel Communications has equipped Spain’s iconic Baluarte Congress Center and Auditorium of Navarre with its Artist and Bolera wireless intercom systems, as well as its IP-based Smartpanels. The 64,000 sq m venue, known for its challenging acoustics, now benefits from seamless communication across its various spaces and uses. LITTLE MORE CONVERSATION

PANTHER SYSTEM LEAPS TO THE RESCUE

“Over the course of ten years as resident co-sound designers at The Muny, John and I made all improvements to the audio set-up we could think of,” says Patridge. “Masque Sound has been an amazing partner, allowing us to improve loudspeakers, consoles and radios year after year. Various stages of new construction on the venue campus have allowed us to go to a 100% AoIP network using a fibre backbone. We included better rigging for flying the line arrays and this enabled us to have an even wider coverage area.”

When The Muny, one of the most iconic outdoor venues in the US, kicked off its 106th season, patrons were treated to an immersive audio experience featuring Meyer Sound Panther line array loudspeakers provided by Masque Sound, a leading company. The state-of-the-art Panther system was specified by resident sound designers John Shivers and David Patridge, bringing their unique creative visions to life with unprecedented clarity and impact. sound reinforcement, installation and design

Taiwanese-American singer-songwriter Wilbur (Will) Pan recently embarked on his 2024 Mad Love world tour, utilising pop music performance service team Maxteam and Chinese AV solutions provider EZPro. Part of the AV toolkit was Eastern Acoustic Works’ (EAW) Adaptive Anya arrays and Otto subwoofers. The tour kicked off in Hangzhou, China at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, with a total of 24 EAW Anya enclosures. “The performance was perfect. Whether it was sound pressure level, the energy in the mid-low frequencies or finesse of the high frequencies, Anya showed extremely strong expressiveness,” said Shao Yong, sound engineer and sound director. “The ease of commissioning the system has improved the efficiency of our team,” explained Yong. “This is the most advanced system I’ve ever used, and the outward appearance blends well with the structure of the stage. The artist, director and mixing teams were all satisfied with the EAW Adaptive system.” EAW HELPS LAUNCH MAD LOVE TOUR

PROJECTION MAPPING

We discover the tools and talent facilitating projection mapping’s mobilisation of the audio-visual arena MAPPI

Words Verity Butler

PROJECTION MAPPING

ING

he first commercially viable projector was invented in 1895 by the aptly named Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis. The ‘cinématographe’, functioning as a

camera, printer as well as a projector, ran at the economical speed of 16fps. It is hard to know if they realised at the time the true gravity of what they had just created, with the projector evolving into a dynamic tool now used across a myriad of industries: schools, offices, museums, retail – the list goes on. One of its popular and lucrative uses recently is through projection mapping, with a market valuation of over $3.5 billion in 2023 – set to grow at a CAGR of over 23% between 2024 and 2032.

PROJECTION MAPPING

was then replaced with a projector. This resulted in rotating projection mapping. Returning to the present, although projection mapping is largely used for artistic and themed attraction pursuits, brands and marketers have also picked up on its benefits in the advertising department. It now often lends itself to mammoth brands and franchises, delivering colossal campaigns. Coca-Cola’s promotion in Sydney harnessed mapping technology to transform a building into a giant vending machine. Passersby could interact with the projection by ‘selecting’ a Coke, which would then appear to roll down the building into an actual vending machine at its base, where they could collect their drinks. Major sports players have also not shied away from projection mapping’s offerings. Nike has used the tech to morph stadiums into immersive sports arenas. During its product launches, it projects dynamic visuals onto the field and stands. Car giant Audi has also flexed its muscles in the projection department

While its recent growth is impressive, its history goes back further than one might imagine. One of the first-known instances of projection onto a non-flat surface dates back to 1969, with the opening of the Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland. The spooky set-up included optical illusions featuring a disembodied head and five singing busts performing the ride’s theme song Grim Grinning Ghosts . This was achieved through filming headshots of the singers, then projecting that footage onto the busts of their faces. It turns out that Disney has not just led in projection mapping’s development; it also holds the earliest patent on it – named ‘Apparatus and method for projection upon a three-dimensional object’. The patent describes a system for digitally painting an image onto a contoured 3D object. Fast-forward ten years, and another example emerged through Michael Naimark’s immersive film installation: Displacements . In this installation, a living room with two performers was filmed with a rotating camera, which

One of the first instances of projection onto a non-flat surface dates back to 1969, with the opening of Haunted Mansion”

Creative Technology’s stunning project: Ikmah After Dark in Al Ula

Al Ula’s ancient rock inscriptions are brought to life using 27 projectors to tell its rich history like never before

PROJECTION MAPPING

when showcasing certain features of its new models. By mapping visuals onto the cars, Audi has created virtual tours that highlight every new bell and whistle in a captivating way. But what are the tools and who are the minds behind this dazzling field of work? TRANSPORTED BACK IN TIME Let’s go back in time for our first case study – over 3000 years, in fact. The ancient city of Ephesus is located near the western shores of modern-day Turkey, where the Aegean Sea meets the former estuary of the River Kaystros. According to legend, the Ionian prince Androclos founded Ephesus in the 11th century BC. Much of its ancient history is unrecorded, but what is known is that it fell under the rule of the Lydian Kings in the seventh century BC. This is when it became a thriving metropolis, where men and women enjoyed equality. After a dramatic history acting as one of the most important trading centres in the Mediterranean region, Ephesus was last controlled by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, but by this point, it was in pretty bad shape. By the end of the century, it was abandoned, with its legacy left to archaeologists, historians and thousands of visitors flocking each year to marvel at its ruins – now classified as a Unesco World Heritage site. The challenge when educating said visitors about an ancient city as vibrant and complex as this is finding ways to aid people in seeing past its crumbling remains – to visualise the prosperous hub it once was. Cue the Ephesus Experience Museum, owned by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism – and developed

Visitors can explore ancient Ephesus through immersive tech, experiencing its streets and historical figures

PROJECTION MAPPING

The museum features 360° projections and 3D soundscapes to transport visitors to the ancient city

Dem Museums crafts tech-driven exhibitions, exemplified by the Ephesus Experience Museum

and operated by Dem Museums. Located in the historically rich area of Selçuk, this newly built, sustainable museum nestled within a pine forest on the ancient archaeological site was purpose-built to allow visitors to experience the historic city in ways never achieved before. The museum offers a comprehensive exploration of Ephesus’ history – from its founding to its peak as a major urban centre. Guided by a storyteller in 17 languages, visitors journey through three distinct rooms, experiencing the city through advanced audio-visual tech. The museum’s multi-sensory features include 360° projections, 3D soundscapes and atmospheric effects such as fog and scents, which together create a vivid, engaging and educational experience for all the senses. “At the start of the exhibition, you are introduced to the story of Ephesus and hear about its foundation,” describes Ugur Caglar, business systems country manager at Panasonic. “You get to hear about all the people who were critical to the history of Ephesus. Following that, you are guided to the second, main room which features 90 Panasonic projectors; it’s incredibly effective. There’s one main area where you are told about

Panasonic projectors offer a very high resolution and image quality. It gives you a whole new experience of what life was like”

“Panasonic projectors offer very high resolution and image quality, delivering amazing colours,” details Caglar. A popular aspect of the exhibit involves 90 Panasonic DLP projectors and an advanced speaker system to recreate an ancient earthquake, adding yet another sensory layer to the visitors’ already multifaceted experience. “It gives you a whole new experience of what life was like back then,” Caglar adds. This was a project of epic proportions – spanning 26 months and involving up to 150 experts from around the world – and was completed in August 2023.

daily life, terraced houses, temples, key geological moments etc.” The museum totals 123 Panasonic DLP laser projectors, ensuring the exceptional quality necessary for delivering realistic and immersive visual storytelling. The projectors’ simplified workflows and robust design feature failover tech, which allows consistent performance and minimal maintenance. Additionally, the use of various Panasonic optics, including ultra-short-throw lenses, enables flexible installation and optimal quality without shadows, preserving the visitor experience.

PROJECTION MAPPING

CURTAINS CREDITS

Art direction & animation Studio Julian Hölscher Sound design

Thomas Werner commissioned by Rencontres Audiovisuelles

Since then, the Ephesus Experience Museum has already secured one award, being named as the best museum in its category at this year’s prestigious US Mondo-Dr Awards. “Projection mapping largely started with projecting images onto buildings. But now, it’s evolving into a more experiential set-up, like immersive museums,” concludes Caglar. BRINGING COLOUR TO CONCEPTS Places where AV tools like projection mapping truly get to shine are at events and festivals which are solely dedicated to the art form. The Video Mapping Festival in Lille, France is a global gathering of talented AV artists. Spanning a three-kilometre route in the city centre, the festival transforms landmarks and buildings into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour. Julian Hölscher is one of those artists. Having won the grand prize for the best project in EMEA with his kinetic wall, he was also on the panel of judges for the 2024 edition of the festival – and also one of three artists who mapped onto

Julian Hölscher’s installation at the MehlWelten Museum blends analogue and digital elements

concept has been realised for the MehlWelten Museum in Wittenburg.” The individual processing steps, from grain to refined flour, are vividly told through this work. It also gives an idea of the almost unbelievable efficiency of

the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de la Treille with his Curtains project. Hölscher begins by telling us about his work prior to the festival – his award-winning kinetic wall – which involved precisely fitting video projection into interaction with a kinetic sculpture. “Flour processing in a modern mill is not visible,” he begins, “as all processes take place in a closed pipe system. With this installation, an innovative didactic

these modern industrial plants. “In the interplay between the

movement of the kinetic surfaces, the video projection and a sound montage, the experience of the industrial mill is

PROJECTION MAPPING

WATCH ME

Discover how the

cathedral is reimagined

Curtains evoked a spiritual journey, merging the tangible and virtual world

elevated into abstraction and conveyed emotionally. In the narrative of grain processing, the individual elements of the installation intertwine so skilfully that the boundaries between analogue and digital become blurred,” Hölscher notes. The project was a shining example of a museum culture that is not only open to innovative concepts, but one which actively formulates them itself. Moving on to his next project, Curtains at the Video Mapping Festival, Hölscher highlights where he found inspiration for the powerful projection. “I noticed the modern façade of the Notre-Dame de la Treille on a walk a few years ago. Since then, I had the desire to realise a work on this architecture. “What makes it special is not only the aesthetics of its external form, but also the way it lets daylight into the interior of the building. I took up this peculiarity in my concept and translated it into the idea of asserting the translucent surface.” The architecture of the cathedral becomes a membrane, behind which an unreachable world is concealed. It is not materially tangible for the religious community, but remains in a virtual sphere of the imagination. In this way, an analogy unfolds between the spiritual spaces of the digital worlds. Both places of longing are full of signs in which people search for knowledge, certainty and hope. “The work performs like a pop song,” Hölscher continues, “opening up a space for interpretation through its allusions and gestures. This effect is enhanced by the grandiose sound design by Thomas Werner, whose sound art makes the peculiar grid of the façade vibrate. Ultimately, it breaks with convention, stretching time to end in decelerated silence. Without the sound, the audience is abandoned, thrown back on itself.” Hölscher emphasises the importance of colour quality when it comes to getting projection mapping right. “With the support of Christie, we

Arabia. Situated in the Hejaz, a region that features prominently in the rich history of Islam, Al Ula was a market city on the historic incense route that linked India and the Persian Gulf to the Levant and Europe. Its immediate vicinity boasts a unique concentration of precious artefacts, including well-preserved ancient stone inscriptions which demonstrate the development of the Arabic language, as well as a concentration of rock dwellings and tombs. In other words, the site offers a dream challenge for projection mappers seeking to bring its archaic structures to life through their art. Creative Technology was recently brought in to resurrect the cultural tapestry of inscriptions from long-gone civilisations, allowing for a dynamic and immersive exploration of the historical narratives etched into its rocks. The event commemorated Jabal Ikmah’s induction into the prestigious Unesco Memory of the World Register. Here, attendees were invited on an immersive journey, unravelling the enigmatic tales and wonders of Jabal

were working with 12-bit colour depth. I was surprised that the imagery looked as colourful as it did on the screen, which is unusual for projection mapping in an urban environment.” When looking to the future for this dynamic space, Hölscher points to the topic of AI. “We used AI-generated images as part of the work on the cathedral, but not in an obvious way as I didn’t want to do AI mapping. Using it subtly is key. We also have real-time technology, which has had a significant impact on how quickly you can produce and alter your work for live events. “I’m hoping for the future of projection mapping to be more meaningful,” Hölscher muses, “where it’s not all about being the fastest and loudest or trying to squeeze as many effects into five minutes as possible. I want to see people developing concepts that are meaningful and play with time in a different way to amaze people.” ARABIAN LIGHTS Al Ula is an ancient Arabian oasis city located in the Medina Province of Saudi

PROJECTION MAPPING

By night, Jabal Ikmah’s ancient symbols were bathed in an array of vibrant and captivating projections

are strategically positioned along a 300m rocky pathway, all orchestrated seamlessly from a Digico desk and racks. “The team’s unwavering dedication during the planning phases, build and execution was truly remarkable,” Jackson concludes. “I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved, and this success would not have been possible without the amazing Creative Technology team!” The use of innovative tech opened new avenues for both cultural understanding and historical appreciation, effectively bridging the gap between the past and the present. This harmonious integration exemplifies the transformative power of technology when it comes to reviving history while embracing the possibilities of the future at the same time. This is a profound final point to summarise what we have uncovered when it comes to projection mapping. Not only can it revolutionise brands and advertising campaigns, but it also has the power to artistically educate and engage people in multi-sensory ways previously unimaginable. The potential is truly limitless.

Ikmah through a captivating show projected onto the mountain’s surface. Creative Technology was proud to be part of this event, providing video, lighting and audio solutions on behalf of Imagine Experience. Its involvement encompassed a cutting-edge display of 27x50K Panasonic projectors and Disguise servers spanning 33,600 sq m of the rocky canvas, with a remarkable projection throw extending 285m. “Collaborating with Creative Technology on the Ikmah After Dark project in Al Ula was a huge success,” comments Zoe Jackson MBE, creative director at Imagine Experience. “Their professionalism and expertise were crucial in bringing our ambitious projection mapping vision to life on the large rocks of Al Ula. Through close collaboration, we seamlessly merged technical precision with creative innovation, creating a powerful show at the Unesco World Heritage site.” For audio, an immersive L-Acoustics Syva system – comprising six boxes and four subs – envelops the seating area. Meanwhile, 25 L-Acoustic 5XT speakers

Through close collaboration, we seamlessly merged technical precision with creative innovation, creating a powerful show”