The Technology
A software-driven platform designed specifically for Art on theMART allows theMART to curate an ongoing exhibition of imagery from celebrated artists, keeping the illuminations fresh, timely and engaging.
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Projectors
34 Christie Digital Boxer 4K30 30,000 lumen projectors for a total of over one million lumens projected on the building façade.
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Projection Location
The south façade of theMART building in Chicago, overlooking the Chicago River. The projector housing is located directly across the river from the building, and is built into the River Walk itself.
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Projection Surface
The building façade is 556′ × 165′ or 91,740 ft² (over 2 acres), and the projection resolution is 6000 × 2620.
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Mapping Technique
We created a digital 3D model of the building from a laser scan to account for the building’s architectural features and re-created the projection setup in software so the image aligns perfectly. Building windows are masked out in software, so the projectors don’t shine light into the building interior.
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Projection Technique
3 channel 3D architectural mapping. The main channels have 16 projectors each, stacked together to increase brightness, and the center channel, covering the center tower, has 2 projectors stacked; the channels are blended together to create one seamless image.
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Calibration Technique
Projectors are manually calibrated to ensure the projected image fits the façade. The mapping on different architectural facets of the building are independently adjusted to minimize color / brightness differences.
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Projection Mounting
A custom weatherproof projector room housing was designed and built to house the 34 projectors, including full service access and HVAC capabilities.
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Show Control
Custom developed system for calibration, synchronized playback and show control.
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Site Synchronization
The system is designed to allow curators to schedule shows within the proprietary content management system from across the river at theMART building. Hard lines were run under the river to complete the connection.
In business for more than a decade, Protolight distributes and installs architectural, entertainment, and theatrical lighting equipment for a variety of applications. From skyscrapers and museums, to houses of worship and performing arts spaces, our innovative staff conquers some of the most unique lighting challenges in the city. Specializing in advanced controls and fully integrated systems, Protolight is well-equipped to assist design teams – architects, lighting designers, and specifiers – with projects of all sizes.
Gwen Grossman Lighting Design (GGLD), established in 2010, is a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) lighting design firm based in Chicago. Our staff draws upon the diverse backgrounds in theater, architecture, interior design, and fine arts, which combine talents to create exemplary award-winning work. GGLD has successfully collaborated on hundreds of lighting design projects ranging from corporate offices, hotels, restaurants, public libraries, retail, education, religious spaces, exterior landscaping and facades, as well as private residences. Our clients range from architects, interior designers, developers, engineers, and end users. Founding designer Gwen Grossman boasts 25 years of experience and is Lighting Certified (LC) by the NCQLP, a professional member of the International Association of Lighting Design (IALD), and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).