#15: A New Project
The new semester also comes with a new Seminar project for me – I’ve decided to move forward with the projection-mapping idea. Specifically, my plan is to try out a fun new workflow of creating video projection designs, using a game engine and a 3D scan/model of the “surface.” This video is ultimately the inspiration here – I came across it years ago and it’s stuck with me (although I did have to spend a couple days trying to track it down again).
I do have a venue in mind - Brooks Concert Hall! It’s a beautiful ex-chapel at Holy Cross where I work, and definitely deserves some beautiful atmospheric lighting. It’s been through a a lot in the past century-and-a-half, but what’s now the wall behind the stage has a set of restored stained glass windows set in gothic arches with curtains and wall sconces. It’s got a mix of large flat surfaces, deep texture, and different light sources that are all great opportunities to work with.
My goal here is to make a 3D scan of this wall, put that model into a game engine, light the model, and then capture the in-game lighting in several places to turn those into a projection mapping back on the wall in real life. I’m hopeful that these looks will be part of a performance I’m working towards over the summer, and will also be a chance to trial this workflow that, if I can familiarize myself with it, will be a great bridge between my projection-design plans and current work as a lighting designer.
The milestones I’ve planned are:
Project Description: Atmospheric projection mapping using a 3D venue scan in a game engine
Milestone 1 (2/7): Use photogrammetry to create a 3D Model of the venue. Also plan 6-8 different lighting looks to create.
Milestone 2 (2/21): Print 3D Model from Milestone 1 for testing. Create first lighting look in game engine.
Milestone 3 (3/20): All lighting looks finished.
Milestone 4 (4/3): Setup projectors, run performance, take a video
Milestone 5 (4/17): Outline plan for studio project
Description of completed work:
This project will allow me to try using a game engine to create atmospheric lighting looks for projection mapping. The projection mapping itself is also an opportunity to develop creative craft (along side those technical skills), and will serve as a portfolio piece. I'm hopeful that this will lead towards a studio project involving projection design, and in particular create a workflow that would allow collaborators to better leverage a game-design skillset to create video designs for live performance.