5 Architectural Projection Mapping Project Tips

Visual projects now often feature state of the art audio, video and lighting effects, making them look even more spectacular and engaging than ever before. Projection mapping is one of these modern technologies which is popular due to its compelling yet affordable nature as an advertising medium. Here’s how architectural projection mapping works and some tips to ensure project success.

 

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how projection mapping works

Projection mapping is a type of large format printing. It’s the technology that projects objects onto a surface. You can turn any common object, such as a plain wall, room or disused building, into interactive displays that your audience can engage with.

It means you can make your audience feel as though they’re in a completely new environment. They might be standing in an empty warehouse but the projections make them feel as though they’re at the bottom of the ocean or looking up at a twinkling, starlit sky.

 tips to ensure your architectural

projection mapping project is a

success

 If you want to ensure that you get the most out of your projection mapping, consider these tips:

 

  • Know your needs and always keep your budget in mind.
  • Be aware of any hidden costs.
  • Don’t fall foul of third party complaints.
  • Seek expert advice from a large format printing specialist.
  • Make sure you maximise exposure.

know your needs and always

keep your budget in mind

 Stick to your budget by knowing your needs and being realistic with your goals. When it comes to using your resources, try and be creative. Projection mapping might be extravagant but it’s not as expensive as you might expect.

Keep these questions in mind:

 

  • How large is the area you want to project on? The larger the area, the more projectors you will need and the more expensive it’ll be. Cut unnecessary costs by focusing on what your visual display actually needs. If your audience won’t be able to see a particular section very clearly or it doesn’t add anything substantial to the overall aesthetic, you don’t need it.
  • What will you be projecting? The larger and/or more intricate or complex the image is, the more expensive your project will be. Again, consider what you actually need. Should you invest in those tiny details or should you have that giant wall mirage instead? Or do you absolutely need both?
  • How early did you start planning your display event? Projection mapping is an intricate project that requires a lot of teamwork and planning So, it’s best if you start planning any details at least four to six weeks before the actual event.

 be aware of any hidden costs

With any project, it’s easy to lose track of tasks and go over your budget. That’s why it’s important that you keep your budget in mind at all times (as we discussed in the previous point). But sometimes, there are sneaky hidden costs that can rack-up your overall project budget up quite a bit:

 

  • Choosing specialists who don’t actually have the right equipment for projection mapping and have to outsource. If you choose a company who has to outsource, it’s often more expensive than if you used a company who did have the capabilities for projection mapping.
  • Choosing 3D images instead of 2D. 3D projections might look impressive but it’s more expensive than 2D as it requires much more time and expertise. And it’s not like 2D projections aren’t mesmerising at all – they can be just as intriguing. Just make sure you’re strategic and project them onto surfaces that will best benefit from the effect.
  • Delivery costs. The great thing about projection mapping is that it doesn’t really require much more than a projector and a theme designed by specialist software. You no longer need most of the props and physical decor that you might have once needed. However, there still may be some hidden delivery costs – especially if you don’t have a projector or a tension graphic frame for the image to be projected on.
  • Any costs for additional materials and props. Although projection mapping doesn’t always require any props, you may need some additional materials for some projects.

don’t fall foul of third party

complaints

The aim of your projection mapping display might be to wow your audience but you also need to think about any third parties who might indirectly be affected too. You don’t want to create a spectacular projection show only to receive multiple complaints from the local community and get bad publicity.

For example, make sure that your projections and any sounds or lighting effects are aired at an appropriate time so they don’t disturb the local community. You should also make sure that they aren’t offensive in any way – for instance, if the projections involve depictions of a story or old folks’ tale that the locals might find offensive.

seek expert advice from a large

format printing specialist

There are many companies out there who might advertise their projection mapping capabilities. But before you settle for one, make sure you check whether they actually do have the right equipment and resources for projection mapping. Some companies don’t have the equipment so they outsource this service.

Not only will this rack up your costs, but it can also add time onto your project because when you’re chasing up on a task, the company you’ve chosen will have to chase the outsourced company. This can also lead to communication issues, such as mixed signals and messages getting lost, as it’s not a conversation between your company and the printer. It’s you and two printers.

In addition, a large format printing specialist that has these capabilities will also be more experienced in providing large and super large visual solutions (like projection mapping) to companies of various sizes. These are just a few of the reasons why you need to choose a large format printing specialist that has the capability to produce projection mapping.

make sure you maximise

exposure

When the time comes for you to reveal your projection mapping project, make sure you’ve taken the appropriate steps to maximise exposure. After all, you’ve created this amazing, inspirational piece. You want to make sure as many people as possible see it and get talking about it.

Do this by:

 

  • Shouting about it on social media. With more than two billion people from across the globe on social media, it’s clear that advertising via this approach is likely to be one of the best and fastest ways to get your message across. If still in doubt, ask yourself, how many times have you looked at your phone, today?
  • Post about your project on your website. Whether it’s dedicating a page or section of your website to it, posting about the news on your website looks more professional. You can make it engaging and boost anticipation by having a countdown to the night of the show.
  • Include the news of your project in your email newsletters. Keep your newsletter subscribers in the loop with regular updates on your project.
  • Send flyers and leaflets to the local community, inviting them to come and watch the show. Not only will this let the locals know that you’ll be hosting a projection mapping project, it’ll also let them enjoy the spectacular event.

before you start your architectural

projection mapping project, make

sure you’ve got all the facts…

Projection mapping is an excellent way to engage with your audience, wowing and inspiring them by creating an immersive experience. In fact, it may even be more effective than traditional promotional and advertising approaches.

be certain with your outdoor

signage

3D projection mapping is versatile in what it can be used for. It’s often used for events and outdoor concerts, or it can be used for an extended period of time on a construction project. But 3D projection mapping isn’t the only large format printed visual solution that you can choose.

We’ve put together outdoor signage guide which provides plenty of information about what you need to plan, design and install outdoor signage. Click the button below.

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