Projection Mapping on Buildings: What You Need to Consider

Projection mapping has made creating spectacular displays simple with just the touch of a button. You’re no longer restricted to flat surfaces, as complicated architecture and buildings can be transformed into highly visual displays. But there are lots of things you need to consider, like legalities.

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Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to rolling out a projection mapping project on buildings:

Introduction to 3D Projection Mapping
Laser Scan the Building: Is There an Existing 3D CAD Available?
Audience Perspective: How Will The Guests See It?
Content Creation: What Do You Want to Project?
Legalities: Permissions & Public Safety

A Brief Introduction to 3D Projection Mapping

Projection mapping is an increasingly popular and effective way to transform spaces and create rich displays of moving imagery. 3D projection mapping completely elevates your event materials. It makes any surface, regardless of shape or size, into a canvas for video.

This means you have limitless opportunities for creativity, creating immersive experiences and displaying content in an exciting way.

Laser Scan the Building: Is There an Existing 3D CAD Available?

3D projection mapping is becoming so popular because of the way it accommodates the shape and intricacies of your projection surface. If the recent 3D CADs aren’t available for the building, however, you’ll have to laser scan the chosen surface to provide the template before starting the 3D mapping process.

Large buildings are usually scanned around a month before the event in the early hours of the morning to avoid any obstructions. It may be wise to scout out the best time to do so.

A laser scanner is a common tool used in the construction industry. You might rely on a professional projection mapping specialist to provide this service and truly pull it off.

Audience Perspective: How Will The Guests See It?

How the guests view the projection mapping is arguably the most important consideration. The imagery needs to be optimised for their perspective to ensure the best possible event experience.

If the audience is going to be looking up at the images projected on the building, then the video that’s being projected would need to be filmed from a low angle to simulate their point of view. However, if you’re going for an entirely immersive experience then you need to work out how many projectors you’ll need to achieve it.

Specialised projects, such as mapping onto buildings and cars, require extra time and resources – you want to make sure it’s ready for the event date.

Consider going to a large format print visual specialist for this, like Dominion Print. We’re equipped to produce sharper and quicker results, marrying large format print and other event materials to create a truly mesmerising occasion.

Content Creation: What Do You Want to Project?

You need to consider how you can create the best experience for your guests and what exactly you want to project. What’s projected might include graphic animations, video footage or a combination of the two.

With projection mapping, you can create any sort of experience you’d like. You can turn the outside of a warehouse into a roaring 1920s prohibition party, with decadent windows and glamorous silhouettes. Considerations like these excite the guests before they’ve even entered the event.

Legalities: Permissions & Public Safety

Permission by the owner of the building needs to be granted first. You may also need to consider getting permission from neighbouring properties if the projection equipment will be set up there.

Because projection mapping is still a novel way to display visual media in a public space, you should be prepared for a local government to question it. Projection mapping could legally be considered as cosmetic lighting, out of home (OOH) signage or a live event that requires a stage permit.

The visual aspects of projection mapping may also raise hypothetical questions about how your production could have unintended effects on the public. You need to consider if the lights from the projectors will harm those inside or around the building or if it will be distracting for motorists driving by.

3D projection mapping technology has become popular over the years because of its versatility. While all projected imagery may aren’t blockbuster productions, you can use still projection mapping at any scale to make a big impression. Especially alongside other outdoor signage and equipment.

Consider Other Outdoor Signage to Strengthen Your Projection Mapping

We know how important first impressions are and that’s why you should utilise outdoor signage to make it a positive one for your guests.

You’re in luck. We’ve created our guide to outdoor signage and advertising for this very reason. Here at Dominion Print, we’re experts in the large format signage industry. From building wraps to stunning projected displays, download our free guide below that tells you everything you need to know about outdoor signage.