BUDGET: Between 5 crore INR and 10.99 crore INR (USD672,000 to USD1.35 million)
PROJECT OVERVIEW
A dynamic outdoor facade projection mapping installation was set up using 12 x 20K Lumens Epson EB-PU2220B projectors on 4 x existing light poles located along the Ganges River, positioned between Lalita Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Ghat. This nightly show combines visual projections with synchronized sound, enhancing the cultural experience along the riverbanks.
WHAT DID THE CLIENT WANT TO ACHIEVE?
Enhance Cultural Experience: Create an immersive, nightly visual and auditory display that highlights the cultural significance and story of the Lalita and Kashi-Vishwanath Temples alongside the Ganges River in Varanasi (Kashi-One of the oldest city in the world).
Attract Tourists: Draw visitors to the area by providing an engaging and memorable experience.
Showcase Local Heritage: Facade projection mapping is used to present stories and historical elements related to the Lalita and Kashi-Vishwanath Temples and local landmarks.
SCOPE OF WORK YOUR COMPANY WAS INVOLVED IN
Site Assessment: As this is an Archaeological site, and no new structural changes are allowed by the ASI & Temple authority on this site, the key task was to evaluate the installation site for optimal projectors and hardware placements, keeping environmental factors into consideration.
Installation: Mount projectors with customized outdoor projection cases on the existing light poles, ensuring proper coverage and alignment.
Content Development: Design and produce projection mapping content with thematic relevance to the Lalita and Kashi Vishwanath Ghat and local heritage.
Sound Integration: Implement a synchronised sound system to enhance the visual experience.
Testing & Calibration: Conduct extensive testing to ensure that Epson projectors, sound systems, and other hardware function seamlessly.
Maintenance Plan: Develop a schedule for regular maintenance and troubleshooting.
WHAT KEY CHALLENGES WERE FACED?
Environmental Conditions: The installation site was next to Manikarnika Ghat, one of the holiest cremation grounds among the sacred riverfronts (ghats), located on the banks of the River Ganga. It is a sacred ghat where numerous cremations are carried out at the same time, 24x7x365, resulting in huge ash and dust. Temperature ranges from 8°C to 45°C, and humidity ranges from 30% to 82%, which varies throughout the year.
Height and Stability of the Pole: The 16-meter-high poles with projectors and Customized all-weather casing face stability issues, especially during the rainy season when the river can rise and submerge the pole up to half its height.
Cableling & Power Supply: A stable power supply is crucial for continuous operation.
Alignment and Calibration: Ensuring the precise alignment of multiple projectors was complex with the façade, for which no 3D drawing or CAD is available.
HOW WERE THOSE CHALLENGES RESOLVED?
1. EDS used customized weather casing for projectors with controlled AC.
2. The base of the pole was reinforced, and additional support structures were installed to enhance stability during high water levels. Specially designed steel frames were fabricated onsite on each pole, ensuring proper stability and alignment.
3. Stay wires were used by running them through holes and attaching them to anchor bolts at each end. With the support of stay wires, Fiber and power cables were installed. A reliable UPS power backup system from Eaton was installed to handle power fluctuations and outages.
4. Working on an archaeological site can present unique challenges, especially if 3D CAD technology isn’t readily available. Our content partner, Magical Theater, worked day and night in-house to develop a 3D model. After developing the 3D model, numerous tests were done onsite with our projection partner to test the initial grids based on the 3D model, and afterwards, they created the content based on the final script.
EDS deployed an advanced media server and software from Dataton for Geometrical corrections, Warping, and Blending, as well as show playback, and conducted iterative testing to fine-tune projector settings and match the content on the façade.
HOW HAS YOUR WORK HELPED THE CLIENT?
Our projection mapping project has significantly enhanced the client’s ability to engage and captivate their audience. By transforming their space into a dynamic, immersive environment, we’ve elevated the overall experience.
The client benefited from a unique and visually striking presentation that not only drew the attention of tourists but also the cultural knowledge about the site, which has left a lasting impression. Our customized projection technology solution allowed them to showcase their content innovatively, creating an interactive and memorable experience that traditional methods couldn’t match.
The tailored visuals and animations supported the client’s goals for marketing, product launches, or special events, resulting in increased audience engagement and enhanced brand perception.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT THE PROJECT?
I’m most proud of how our projection mapping project helped present the site’s cultural history and heritage, combining technical precision with creative innovation to deliver a truly immersive experience.
We were able to meticulously plan and execute the visuals with the physical space, and the outcome exceeded customer expectations.
The project’s success showcased our team’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries while ensuring technical excellence. It demonstrated our capacity to turn complex concepts into captivating experiences, ultimately leaving a memorable impression and meeting the client’s goals with remarkable precision.
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