Water & video
Projection mapping in Dubai
Projection mapping makes a building, a car or a whole room move. Windows fall away, walls fold, a logo grows out of the stone. Laser Saga has mapped facades, monuments and stages from DIFC to Liwa and Riyadh, and produces the content, supplies the projectors and runs the show. This page covers event mapping; for permanent rooms and venues see projection mapping installation.
Also called: 3D mapping, video mapping, building projection, facade projection, 3D projection show, architectural projection
What is projection mapping?
Projection mapping is video projection that is shaped to fit a real object. We build an exact 3D model of the surface, design animation that uses its edges and depth, and then align one or many projectors so the image locks onto the surface. The result is an illusion of movement and depth on things that are actually still.
When to use it
Openings and anniversaries of buildings, national days, government and city celebrations, car and product reveals, gala dinners where the walls tell a story, and festivals. Mapping is best when you have something to say: a history, a brand story, a message, rather than random visuals.
Where it works
Light-coloured, matte facades, monuments, stage sets, cars, domes, interiors and even tabletops. Glass, dark cladding and bright street lights reduce impact, so we survey and test before committing. Outdoors, mapping works after dark; the size of the building and the throw distance decide how many projectors are needed.
Projection mapping or laser mapping?
Projection shows full-colour video and photographic detail; laser mapping draws lines of light that reach further and cost less on very large surfaces. Our multimedia shows often combine both, plus water screens and effects.
Safety and permits
Large outdoor projection usually needs building owner and municipality approval, safe projector towers or platforms, power and crowd planning. Lasers in the same show add their own rules.
What we need from you to start
Photos or drawings of the surface, the date and number of nights, where the audience will stand, the story or message, brand guidelines and any footage or music you want to use. From that we can tell you the projector count, a content plan and a budget range, then confirm after a site survey.
How we produce it
Site survey and 3D scan or drawings; storyboard; 3D animation and sound; preview on the model for approval; projector design and test; on-site alignment and rehearsals; show. Our fleet includes Christie, Panasonic, Barco and Epson projectors, so we can size the system to the surface.
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How long does a mapping show take to produce?
Content is the long part. A short, simple piece can take a couple of weeks; a full building show with a story usually needs several weeks.
How many projectors do we need?
It depends on the surface size, brightness required and distance. A car reveal may need two projectors; a large facade can need many more.
Can you map in daylight?
No. Projection needs darkness, or a dark indoor space.
Can we use our own content?
Yes, if it is made for the surface. We can supply the template and help your studio, or produce it ourselves.
What does projection mapping cost?
See our projection mapping cost guide.
