CUSTOM VIDEO CONTENT CREATION FOR ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION MAPPING

 

Custom video content creation is a crucial aspect of projection mapping that involves designing and producing unique visuals for a specific event or space.

The process involves creating 3D models and animations, mapping them onto surfaces, and synchronizing them with the audio and lighting effects, resulting in an immersive and unforgettable experience.

At Lumenarius we love combining the worlds of art and computers to make visually pleasing and captivating presentations of light and architecture as one.

Below are some of our favorite methods for creating this video content.



Pre-Recorded Video Footage

Using found video footage, such as video camera recordings and cinematic real world footage, is a great way to create dynamic and immersive video content for architectural projection mapping.

The footage can be edited and manipulated to fit the unique contours and details of a building, resulting in a stunning visual experience.


Analog Scale Model

By creating a scale model of the architecture or projection surface we can create extremely creative and playful video content. We do this by placing a camera above the surface of the scale model.

Once we hit record we can then apply liquids, objects, light and shadow, and so many other dynamics to generate wonderful effects and looks that are very modern yet entirely hands on.


Computer Generated

Design tools like After Effects, Blender, Stable Diffusion (AI), and custom written software allow us to manipulate digital assets and create immersive 3D environments for projection mapping experiences.

Through the use of these tools, we are able to bring our creative visions to life in increasingly stunning and visually engaging ways that reflect the technology of our era.


Live Video Feed

Integrating a live video feed into the video projections for a live event or interactive art space can add a dynamic and immersive element to the experience for the audience.

This technology can be utilized to showcase real-time footage, close-ups of performers, or other interactive elements that can enhance the overall environment.

 

WHY PROJECTION MAPPING IS BETTER THAN A LED VIDEO WALL

 

Projection mapping offers a more immersive and interactive experience, allowing for dynamic visuals and unique effects that cannot be achieved with a static LED video wall.

LED walls are an incredible technology but we believe that there are many instances where projections are able to create a more immersive, captivating, and visually impressive display for live events and permanent installations.

Be sure to check out this article on a few of the top reasons why we say so.



  • Non-Destructive Installation: Unlike LED walls that require drilling, hanging, or attaching hardware to your surfaces, projection mapping systems are non-destructive. No matter what type of surface you want to project onto, our system won't cause damage. Buildings, walls, sidewalks, trees, water fountains, sculptures, and so many more mediums are all available.

  • Cost-Effective: Projection mapping systems may look expensive at first glance, but when compared to the costs of LED walls, they’re much more affordable. LED walls require maintenance and repairs that can add up over time. With projection mapping systems, you can achieve stunning visuals without the high costs associated with LED walls.

  • A Better Looking Experience: LED walls tend to have pixelated and choppy images that can detract from the overall experience for your audience. With projection mapping systems, you have the ability to project a seamless, high-resolution image that will captivate your audience and elevate the experience. Not to mention the LED walls hide the beauty of the architecture behind them!



  • Everyone Has Seen a Screen: Our projection mapping systems offer a unique and immersive experience that cannot be replicated by a static LED video wall. With the ability to dynamically alter the environment and interact with the surroundings, projection mapping creates a truly unforgettable experience for audiences.

  • Environment and Weather: Our projection mapping systems are built to withstand the rigors of harsh climates, featuring durable and weather-resistant materials that can endure intense sun, heat, snow, and wind. This stands in contrast to LED video walls, which are vulnerable to damage from weather and environmental factors, making outdoor installations much more challenging and costly.

  • Glare and Natural Light: Video projections are easier on the eyes than LED walls due to their softer, more diffused light. Additionally, video projections offer a wider range of brightness and color temperature options, allowing for a more natural and comfortable viewing experience.


 

WHY LASER LIGHT SOURCE PROJECTORS ARE THE BEST

 

Laser light source projectors are much better than older lamp based projectors as they offer brighter, more vibrant, and clearer images which are easier to view even in ambient light.

They have a longer lifespan and can last up to 20,000 hours, unlike traditional lamp-based projectors which can last up to 3,000 hours.

Moreover, laser light source projectors consume less energy and require less maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution for all of our projects.



Laser light source projectors are better for long term installations than older projector lamp types due to their longer lifespan, resulting in less frequent replacements and maintenance costs.

For instance, running a show for 5 hours a day will yield a lamp life that last for more than 10 years!

They also have a more consistent and stable brightness throughout their lifespan compared to lamp-based models, ensuring consistent image quality.

Furthermore, laser projectors have a wider color gamut and greater color accuracy, providing a more immersive viewing experience.



At Lumenarius, we firmly believe that laser-based projectors are the best option for all of our clients.

Their exceptional brightness, clarity, and durability make them the top choice for any lighting project.

Ready to experience the power of laser projectors for yourself?

Contact us today to learn more.


 

3D PROJECTION MAPPING STAGE LIGHTING DESIGN FOR SUMMER MELTDOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL

 

If you're a music lover in the Pacific Northwest, there's no better place to be than the Summer Meltdown Music Festival.

Every year, this annual event attracts thousands of people from all over the region, eager to soak up the sun, enjoy some amazing tunes, and make unforgettable memories with their friends and loved ones.



At Lumenarius, we take pride in delivering exceptional 3D projection mapping stage lighting designs that leave audiences in awe.

Our team of experienced designers and technicians work tirelessly to create stunning lighting displays that breathe life into every event. One event that we always shine at is the Summer Meltdown Music Festival.

Our cutting edge technology and attention to detail enable us to craft intricate and immersive designs that elevate the performance of every artist on the stage.



 

ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION MAPPING TESTS AT JUMP IN BOISE, ID

 

Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) is a prime location for projection mapping in downtown Boise, Idaho.

The city block sized campus offers many angular buildings, large vertical towers, and funny little concrete sections all with plenty of electrical outlets and friendly staff.

Time to explore the studio space!



After a walkthrough a few buildings were discovered to have some of the best opportunities.

By using outlines of the buildings content was able to be created and composited on the fly. This included a good mix of colors, lively particles, and forms resembling those of nature including a 5 story giraffe!



After an incredibly positive reception these tests turned into an amazing and very wavy set of projections for JUMP’s 5th Annual “Illumibrate” event.


 

EXPERIMENTS WITH "HOLOGRAM" SCREENS AND PROJECTION MAPPING

 

Experimentation leads to new ideas and that is something that is dipped into often here in the Lumenarius Studio.

In this case it was time to try out the new "hologram" style screen with some proper projection mapping and lighting.



There are clearly some points to improve on but the core of the effect was absolutely amazing. With the right lighting and projector angles the screen virtually disappears leaving the visuals floating in air.

Live events, concerts, art galleries, and even interactive pieces could all be extended using products like this.



 

PROJECTION MAPPING HOLOGRAPHIC VISUALS FOR BUMBERSHOOT ONTO WATER FOUNTAIN

 

Many surfaces, architecture, and objects can be activated with the magic of projection mapping - including massive water fountains!

It was just this type of feature that the organizers of the Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival were looking to highlight. This feature, centered in the middle of the Seattle Center, is the International Fountain spanning over 100’ wide and 50’ tall.



To properly bring this attraction into the mix for the main event Lumenarius was hired to design and operate a projection mapping system for the fountain.

The fountain itself is arranged in a row, very similar the mohawk haircut, such that by placing a projector on either side we can merge the images in the middle of the fountain.

This results in a holographic like effect that is absolutely magical, viewable from 360º, and visible from across the entire site.


For the content we employed professional broadcast techniques to route live video feeds from the Fisher Stage and Stadium Stage onto the feature so that the ADA sections and auxiliary beer gardens had a prime view of the show even though 100’s of feet away.

Every night the fountain became a huge attraction and meeting place for it was highly visible from afar and showcased all of the action happening around the venue.

Overall water fountains as a surface for projection mapping are an entirely viable medium and we look forward to exploring the studio space more!


 

3D PROJECTION MAPPING ON LEAFY GREEN TREES FOR BUMBERSHOOT MUSIC FESTIVAL

 

The Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival was looking for a creative way to activate a large row of trees next to the Fisher Main Stage of the Seattle Center.

After much brainstorming, and considering many forms of lighting, projection mapping was chosen as a means to bring them into the show.



Any surface that can absorb and reflect light is a possible canvas for projections. It turns out leafy green trees are in that set too!

A whole new light was cast on an otherwise blank slate with visual content of simulated birds flocking from tree to tree during intermissions.

As this was right next to the main stage why not integrate a live video feed from the camera crew so that patrons in the beer garden could still have a prime view? Done.



It was a blast watching artists from Billy Joel to Third Eye Blind join in on the arboreal display over the weekend.

Overall it was a sight to see and blew our minds at how trees as a projection surface were entirely viable.



 
 

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