Blog Full Roll B — Lumenarius

Lumen Arius

Lumen Arius

HOW TO WORK WITH AMBIENT LIGHTING AND PROJECTION MAPPING?

 

When working with the art and science of projection mapping it is important to understand how much ambient light there is.

When it comes to live events and permanent installations this is a driving factor in determining how bright the projectors need to be to achieve the magical and surreal lighting effect known as projection mapping.



The main ambient lighting conditions that can influence the effectiveness of the projector are:

  • The Sun, Sunset Time

  • Street Lights

  • Architectural Uplights, Sconces, etc

  • Windows

  • Interior Lighting, Chandeliers, etc

  • LED Walls and other Concert Lighting

In an ideal world it is best to have the surface for the projections, the building, or the room be completely dark.

Sometimes light fixtures can be dimmed or turned off. Or, we can get creative and build deflection panels to block the light spill from the projection surface.

However, this is not always possible which is why it is often necessary to increase the brightness of the projector.

In a big picture as long as the projections are not to be on a surface that has sunshine directly on it we are good to go.

Once we understand the needs of the project and the scope and scale our team of experts can help guide you through the process and ensure that the best projectors for the job are selected.

See below for a few examples of projects our team completed where although there was ambient light present the effect still shone through in a stunning way.




 

3D PROJECTION MAPPING AT ZUMIEZ BEST FOOT FORWARD

 

ZUMIEZ was looking for a creative and branded way to activate the side of their Lynwood, WA headquarters during the annual Best Foot Forward skateboard competition.

Lumenarius was able to significantly increase the visual appeal of the area with creative lighting and a massive wall of projections.



Of course ZUMIEZ is a rad company, naturally, as they even have a concrete skatepark as a permanent feature of the campus.

Right next to it was a main sound stage and further up the hill was a gigantic wooden skatepark for the competition.



Definitely rad vibes all over - even through the rain! Part of conducting events in the Pacific Northwest is being prepared for any weather.

Luckily even the temporary event projection mapping system we produced was ready for rain, snow, seagulls, and more.



 

FIELD TO TABLE STADIUM EVENT

 

The organizers of the Field to Table event in Lumen Field were looking for a way to add visual appeal to the large culinary tent on site.

3D projection mapping was chosen as a viable means to add value. Lighting up the tent structure with precise video animations completely transformed it from a background item to a foreground feature.



The event needed the system to run each evening for a full month with the ability to change content as needed. Our recipe for outdoor projection mapping installations and remote management was perfectly suited for this.

The activation was a hit all month and helped realize a new way to creatively apply projections to event infrastructure.



 

LARGE SCALE BALLROOM PROJECTION MAPPING AT HYATT REGENCY LAKE WASHINGTON

 

By harnessing the power of projection mapping Lumenarius can transform mundane ballrooms into captivating visual wonderlands.

With precision and artistry, our team creates immersive experiences, transporting guests to mesmerizing realms of lush jungle greenery, underwater landscapes, and more.



At the heart of this magical setting, projections on all four walls transport guests into a diverse range of realms.

These wow moments not only leave guests in awe but also provide them with a unique and unforgettable experience.

At Lumenarius, our team ensures that every project is executed with utmost ease and professionalism.

From inception to completion, we take care of every detail, making it a truly turn-key experience. Our expert designers craft captivating visuals, while our equipment specialists ensure top-tier gear is utilized.

We handle everything, from creating compelling content to seamless setup, operation, and efficient take down.


 

ADDING DMX LIGHT FIXTURES, LED LIGHTS, AND OTHER FIXTURES TO A PROJECTION MAPPING SHOW

 

At Lumenarius, we specialize in creating immersive projection mapping shows that captivate and mesmerize our audiences.

While we pride ourselves in delivering high-quality visuals that showcase our clients' brands, we also recognize the importance of complementing projection mapping with other LED light fixtures and DMX stage effects. The combination not only adds depth to the projection but also allows the audience to feel engulfed in the experience.



By incorporating DMX light fixtures, we can project light from different directions and create dynamic shapes and patterns. DMX lighting technology enables us to control the color, intensity, and direction of lighting fixtures like beams, washes, strobes, and more.

Additionally, LED light fixtures provide an energy-efficient option that can be programmed to match the color palette of the projection. LED strips, panels, orbs, and all sorts of shapes are all possible.

Finally, our customized software allows us to control stage effects, such as smoke machines, fog generators, and hazers. The addition of stage effects provides an element of surprise, creating an immersive experience that envelops the audience. As a result, the audience feels as though they are part of the show, making it a memorable experience.

In conclusion, our company's special software coupled with the use of DMX light fixtures, LED light fixtures, and stage effects not only enhances the visual experience but also elevates the immersive aspect of the projection mapping show.


 

ADDING AUDIO AND MUSIC TO A PROJECTION MAPPING EXPERIENCE

 

At Lumenarius, we understand the value of providing our guests with an unforgettable experience.

When it comes to a projection mapping installation, we believe that adding music and audio can take it to the next level.

The fusion of visual and auditory senses creates a multi-sensory experience that leaves a lasting memory in the minds of guests.



Adding music and audio to projection mapping installation makes it more engaging and interactive. It can convert a static installation into a dynamic, immersive experience, interweaving the viewer and the art into one. A good sound system and music choice can captivate the audience and keep them engrossed throughout the entire installation.

Adding a sound system to a project is effortless to as each of our projection mapping systems, for live events or permanent installation, comes with the necessary software and hardware to send sound to a variety of speakers throughout the space.

Whether it’s filling a all 5 stories of Pacific Place with crystal clear audio or adding background sounds to round out an Immersive 4 Course Projection Mapped Dinner, we have the right gear and processes to bring sound to the mix for any occasion.


 

WWU'S "PAINT B'HAM BLUE" PROJECTION MAPPING AND CONCERT LIGHTING DESIGN

 

Western Washington University was looking to host a spectacular event to welcome in the new students.

For one night only downtown Bellingham, WA became a next level concert arena with massive lighting, architectural projection mapping, and fireworks.




To take it there Lumenarius brought out a comprehensive system that spanned the main stage to The Herald in the background.

With the looks on the ground covered the projection mapping system on The Herald was synchronized using a low latency wireless video link.

The result was phenomenal and set the bar for how exciting, creative, and engaging Bellingham is as a town for the upcoming students.



 

STOP MOTION, ANALOG, AND HANDMADE VIDEO CONTENT FOR PROJECTION MAPPING

 

Content creation is where the paint meets the pixel.

In this case that is a very literal sense as Lumenarius is very fond of the contrast between the high technology of projection mapping and the grounding of an analog touch.




Sometimes the setting calls for looks that reflect the modern times with themes of lasers, computers, and very shiny materials.

But sometimes a touch of creativity and that human element softens the edges of the experience and enables more people to engage with a piece.

This kind of effect can be achieved by first making a scale model of the architecture or object to be projected on.

Next, a camera is placed directly above the scale model so that any art on the surface is in clear view. Hit record and then feel free to explore the studio space!

Afterwards the footage is edited, aligned, and composed to fit the features of the building or space in question so that what was painted on one part of the building lines up perfectly in real life.

The effect is truly unbelievable with larger than life paint brushes and found objects creating a live mural on a building or venue in real time.






 

FLOOR, GROUND, ENTRYWAY, AND WALKWAY PROJECTION MAPPING

 

Any surface that can catch and reflect light is a good candidate for the effect of projection mapping.

The floor, ground, walkways, and entryways of a venue or event space are often overlooked but can afford an amazing canvas for a wonderful visual effect.





Even though the projections may not be an entire skyline the feeling of walking through them is the whole world.

It feels as though the light is coming from everywhere and can be very well tailored to the context of the immediate environment.

In one example, The Collective Grand Opening features projected topographic lines which reinforced the outdoor nature of the occasion.

Next, the 41 ROSS Gallery System is a great example of how a permanent ground based projection activation can illuminate an entire alleyway.

Then, the organizers at JUMP’s Illumibrate Festival elevated the entrance with a wavy projection of the ocean on the entryway.




 

DAVIS WRIGHT TREMAINE LAW OFFICE ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION MAPPING

 

The Seattle law firm, Davis Wright Tremaine, was looking for a way to elevate the visual component of their upcoming event.

By using a blend of many projectors the architectural features of the interior office space were able to become a 3D canvas for patterns and animations reflecting the art deco design of the building.



Over the course of the event the animations continuously changed in ever so subtle ways that caught the eye. It was this application of projection mapping that enabled the otherwise unadorned features of the room to become a visual centerpiece.


 

CRYSTAL STRUCTURE 3D PROJECTION MAPPING AT SOURCE MAUI ARTS FESTIVAL

 

A seminal part of the journey to become Lumenarius was the time spent and work applied at the SOURCE Maui Art Festival.

In 2013 Lumenarius was invited to help curate an entire gymnasium full of interactive light art and projection mapping by the name of, “The Musearium”.



Part of this zone included a super clean collection of geometric shapes perfectly designed for the effect of 3D projection mapping.

With a weekend full of collaborative digital art making our team set upon this sculpture of light with the aim of exploring the studio space.



Overall the crystalline structures looked amazing and were a staple of The Musearium with a suite of custom content that illuminated the space all weekend.



 

ODESZA ALBUM RELEASE PARTY PROJECTION MAPPING STAGE DESIGN

 

In the formative times of Fall 2012 Lumenarius resided in the same city as then up and coming electronic duo, ODESZA.

This was right after the first year of our work at the Summer Meltdown Music Festival and it was time to put some of our new projection mapped stretch fabrics to use for the group’s freshman album release party.



That album by ODESZA, “Summer’s Gone”, defined so much of that time and playing it agains brings us right back.

So beautiful to reflect on all the times that were had then, have happened in between, and are yet to come.


 

360º IMMERSIVE 3D PROJECTION MAPPING IN GEODESIC DOME AT GASWORKS PARK

 

Geodesic domes, 360º projection mapping, 80’s style arcades? This was going to be a great event!

The interior surface of a geodesic dome became the canvas for beautiful visuals once again as Lumenarius teamed up with Microsoft and Flame Productions to deliver a next level environment for their yearly celebration at Gasworks Park.



As the sun went down the people turned out in droves to the quintessential view point of Seattle’s skyline across Lake Union.

The event was as massive and dialed as the computer giant itself replete with many activations from a huge concert stage to carnival rides, food, beverage, and of course a 30’ geodesic dome full of arcade machines and immersive projection mapping.



The event was 1-day which meant that setup was the night before and take down was immediately after. This is where our team excelled for experience with this particular projection geometry combined with our understanding of onsite productions allowed for an ahead of time schedule and an enjoyable event.

Over the course of the evening it was great to see hundreds of people step into an era of nostalgic gaming contrasted against futuristic geodesic architecture and visuals.

Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Asteroids, Frogger, and other classic titles populated the nearly 30 machines inside the space.

Casted above all of this was a ceiling of eye catching projections composed of ambient colors overlaid with abstract geometry that interacted with the structure itself.


 

GEOLOGICAL 3D PROJECTION MAPPING MOAB, UT AND THE FEATHERS, WA

 

While traveling through the scenic landscapes surrounding Moab, UT it occurred that some 3D projection mapping would look amazing on the red cliffs!

After a little setup, some crafty software, and a little experimentation, a workflow emerged that allowed one to effectively “paint” the cliff-sides with projected light.



It was so enjoyable to make use of the intuitive interface between hand and digital brush while playing with the natural features of the geological formations.




Another great example of this was at “The Feathers” just inside the “Frenchman Coulee Park” in eastern Washington State. In this example another cliffside was chosen for activation at night via projected light.

It’s such a great combination of high tech digital art with timeless rock formations nature has worked on for eons. Throw in a starry backdrop and a few rock climbing passerby’s and it’s a genuine Lumenarius experience!


 

BENAROYA HALL AIA HONOR AWARDS GOBO-STYLE PROJECTION MAPPING

 

For the 2017 - 2019 AIA Honor Awards event at Seattle's Benaroya Hall Lumenarius was sought to provide visual recognition of the best architectural firms in the United States with the creative application of light throughout the entrance hall.

By using projectors instead of “gobo-style” lights our team was able to provide a crisper, brighter, more animated, and significantly more flexible means for displaying each logo.



Working with the client we obtained high resolution versions of all the logos. By providing multiple selections for the different styles of animations the client was able to quickly see what would look best and sign off on the result.



Once onsite our experience in professional events enabled the installation to blend seamlessly into the building decor, yet provide crisp projections exactly where they were needed.

Overall the look was a success as it conveyed the information in a straight forward way that still felt modern and of the times for a group of people who literally build the future.


 

REI PRAY 4 SNOW EVENT AT THE FREMONT FOUNDRY

 

If you love the outdoors you have probably been to an REI Co-op and have also most likely hoped, wished, and prayed for the next season to bring its tidings.

In line with that ethos it was a quite an enjoyable time to partner with REI to provide creative lighting and projection mapping for their annual return to winter event, “Pray 4 Snow”, at The Fremont Foundry in Fremont, WA.



Throughout the 4-story venue Lumenarius elevated the visual appeal of the event by using projectors to stylize the main walls with animated “gobo-style” projections of core sponsor logos and branding.

On the roof a projector and screen duo played the latest movie releases from the ski and snowboard world while patrons melted s’mores over a fire.

Additionally our team rolled out numerous battery powered uplights, moving head lights, as well as digital RGB LED string lights that were sync’d to the music to really make the dance floor and 80’s ski themed fashion show pop!


 

SOL CUSTOM VISUAL CONTENT CREATION FOR LIVE CONCERT

 

When SOL booked the massive Sky Church venue space at the MOPOP in Seattle it was time to dig in the crates and create some amazing visual content.

Creating the content for 3D projection mapping and video walls is a speciality at Lumenarius. We know the technicals of the codecs all the way to the composition, color correction, and the aesthetics.



After a thorough conversation with the artist SOL we had a track list, a good amount of footage filmed on his trip, and a tight deadline to get it all rendered and approved.

All this work came together beautifully as the absolutely massive 80’ LED video wall portrayed the visuals in a heavenly light all night as a sold out crowd below enjoyed the spectacle immensely.




 

LYDIA PLACE HEARTS FOR HOUSING FUNDRAISER 360º PROJECTION MAPPING

 

Lydia Place was looking for a way to elevate the appeal of their annual Hearts for Housing Gala.

Lumenarius was pleased to provide a 360º projection mapping experience for the event with custom tailored content creation to match the space and the theme each year.



The room at the Bellingham, WA Sheraton is fairly large with thin margin around the sides for activation with projected video.

This constraint lended itself to using over 8 networked projectors across the room to accurately cast imagery of Valentines, space, and good tidings from good Samaritans over the course of the evening.


^^ SEE IT IN FULL 360º ^^


By creating the content from scratch our team was able to develop looks that integrated the theme with branded assets. Streaming stars, transforming 3D terrain, and abstract 80’s visuals all made a debut as real crowd pleasing sights.




 

WELCOME TO LUMENARIUS

 

Hello and Welcome!

It is time to open up the doors to a new company centered around the magic of 3D projection mapping: Lumenarius!



“Over the past 10 years it has been thrilling to see and produce amazing immersive experiences based around art, light, and technology. Throughout this time 3D projection mapping has been always been a favorite tool.

Though, as the mission of my previous venture, Sensebellum, shifts towards realizing a next level science center, Lumenarius is here to keep the projected flame alight.

Given the significant previous experience with the design of permanent indoor and outdoor installations the sole focus of Lumenarius will be to create the worlds best 3D projection mapping systems.

In house design, fabrication, and testing to the highest level. Fully automated operation with remote content management, viewing, and scheduling. Ready for long term operation in any environment.

All of this combines to create some of the most amazing visual experiences possible. Moments that positively elevate the appeal of nearly any architecture from entire buildings, to interior venues, sculptures, performances, and beyond.

Already looking forward to it so let’s get started!”

∆ Casey J. Scalf, Owner and Founder


 
 

WORK WITH THE BEST