Software

Projection Mapping tools

MadMapper, TouchDesigner, Isadora, Resolume, (more coming)

NDI, Spout/Syphon

ERC: Parsons

Reserve Your Projector and Necessary Equipments In Advance

https://makingcenter.parsons.edu/labs/equipment-resource-center-erc/

Location: Sheila C. Johnson Design Center, 66 5th Ave, 001

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 10:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 10:30am - 9:30pm

Contents

Surface Materials

Projection mapping, also known as video mapping or spatial augmented reality, transforms objects or spaces into display surfaces for video projection. The effectiveness of projection mapping depends significantly on the choice of surface materials, which can greatly influence the clarity, contrast, and overall visual impact of the projected content. Here are some of the best surface materials for projection mapping, tailored for different situations:

Smooth White Surfaces

• Matte White Paint: Ideal for indoor environments. It reduces glare and ensures uniform light distribution, providing a clear and vibrant image. (white foam board)
• Projection Screens: Designed specifically for projection, these screens offer high reflectivity and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They can be portable or fixed, depending on the project needs.

Building Facades

Good example: An Atlas of Es Devlin, Cooper Hewitt.

Her miniature stage designs and surface design implementation on projection mapping. She mainly used white foam boards.

• Light-Colored Brick or Concrete: These materials can work well for outdoor projection mapping, especially if they are smooth. Light colors reflect more light, making the projection more visible.
• Glass (with Treatments): While glass is not typically ideal due to its reflective nature, applying a frosted film or projection-specific adhesive can turn it into an effective projection surface.

Temporary Structures

• Inflatable Screens: Great for outdoor events, inflatable screens can be large and provide a smooth, flat surface for projections.

• Fabric Screens: Fabrics like muslin or a tightly woven cotton can serve as excellent projection surfaces, especially if stretched tight to eliminate wrinkles. They are lightweight and portable, making them suitable for temporary installations.

  • mesh and porous fabrics you can make ghost feeling

    porous and rough so encouraged to use it layering with transparent voile material

  • White voile is also good – Voile is a soft, sheer fabric, usually made from 100% cotton or cotton blends including linen or polyester. It is very lightweight and perfect for draping.

  • experiment: use a flash light and how the fabric works

  <aside> ✨ It depends on your curatorial approach whether you decide to keep the wrinkles. Many projection mapping projects utilize fabrics and their natural wrinkles effectively

  </aside>

Special Surfaces

• Water Screens: Projection on water mist or fountains can create ethereal and dynamic visuals, ideal for nighttime outdoor events.
• Translucent Materials: Materials like frosted glass, acrylic, or certain plastics can be used for creating depth and layering effects, especially effective in installations where light can pass through or be diffused by the material.

Considerations

• Surface Color and Texture: Lighter colors reflect more light, improving brightness and color accuracy. Smooth textures are generally preferred as they ensure uniformity in the projected image.
• Ambient Light: In environments with high ambient light, materials with higher reflectivity and specific projection screens designed to combat ambient light are preferred.
• Purpose and Scale of Projection: The choice of material may vary depending on whether the projection is for a small indoor exhibition or a large outdoor event. Scale affects material choice, particularly in terms of portability and installation logistics.

<aside> ✨ Based on the suggestions for surface materials for projection mapping, consider bringing materials like:

• Matte White Sheets or Boards: Ideal for clear and vibrant projections.

• Fabric: A stretchy, light-colored fabric can be a versatile test surface.

• Frosted Glass or Acrylic Sheets: If you're interested in exploring projections on translucent materials.

  flax glass, iridescent color or opaque, with frosted, mat its okay to use

• Small-scale Models: If you have access to models (like buildings or simple geometric shapes) that you can project onto, bring them along

• Reflective Materials:

  Materials such as aluminum foil or shiny fabrics can be used to explore reflections and create unique visual textures. These materials can add an interesting dynamic to your projections, especially for abstract or artistic concepts.

• Paper Varieties: Different types of paper, from construction to cardstock, can offer a range of textures and colors for projection. Consider bringing along colored papers to see how they interact with the projected images, altering the mood or atmosphere of the projection. </aside>

Experimentation is key in projection mapping, as the unique characteristics of the projected content and the environment play significant roles in determining the best material for each project. Testing projections on different surfaces under various lighting conditions can help fine-tune the selection process.

White Foam Board