From Barcelona to Budapest, here are some of the latest ways that projection technology has transformed cityscapes

by Thomas Vertommen, Panasonic Connect Europe

Projection mapping is bringing another dimension in entertainment to our cities, monuments, historical buildings and entertainment venues around the world. Suddenly everything is a blank canvas for creating a 3D light show that can entertain, inform and mesmerise an audience.

It may not be a new phenomenon. But with incredible developments in projectors and image processing, projection mapping can be bigger, brighter and more immersive than ever. Here we look at some of the latest examples of projection mapping at its best.

The façade of Gaudi’s famous Casa Batlló was brought to life with “Living Architecture” projection mapping by the digital artist Refik Anadol. Panasonic projectors transformed the façade of Casa Batlló in Barcelona into an audiovisual show based on nature and starring the universe of Antoni Gaudí.

Six projectors of 50,000 lumens with 3-Chip DLP laser technology and native 4K resolution were used to create the 12-minute long, 3D visual spectacular. The artwork was subsequently turned into a digital NFT (Non-Fungible Token) and auctioned for 1.3 million euros in New York. 10% of the proceeds went to the Associació Aprenem Autisme and the Adana Foundation, which support neurodiversity.

Pharmaceutical company Roche transformed its tower HQ building in Basel. This dynamic art installation was created to celebrate the company’s 125th anniversary. 45 of 50,000 lumens, DLP 3-chip laser projectors lit up the 10,000m2 area of the building from 300 metres across the river Rhein in a celebration of life.

As well as entertaining the crowds over four nights, the occasion even inspired romance with three successful marriage proposals.

Projection mapping on Budapest’s most historic buildings – Buda Castle and Parliament – marked the founding of the State. This project also formed part of the largest art show ever held in Hungary. Six animation teams and 17 artists worked on the show for more than 18 months to put on the display of a lifetime for 700,000 visitors and viewers on national television.

Ultimately, the spectacular (pictured, top) called for 50 projectors. There were also fireworks and a drone display.

Projection mapping also turned one of Madrid’s most emblematic buildings – the Palacio de Cibeles – into an incredible 3D Christmas greeting.

This magical event was the first and largest 4K projection mapping installation in Spain. Six compact and lightweight 50,000-lumen DLP 3-chip laser projectors brought the display to life.

Whether it’s to mark the anniversary of a country, humankind’s achievements in space, the natural world around us or a unifying festival such as Christmas, projection mapping is the technology of choice to bring another dimension to any celebration.

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