Buckingham Palace was the subject of much attention on Sunday 3 June when it was transformed into the canvas for a remarkable projection display created in part by London’s d3 Technologies for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert.
Video on the front of the Palace was produced by 36 Barco HD20 projectors, which were supplied by XL Video UK, all run off six Barco Image Pro DVI/SDI converters and eight DVI Parrots. d3 provided the video mapping and playback, using four d3 4U rackmount media server systems. A further two 16 x 16 Lightware DVI matrices completed the system which presented an array of video including magnificent floral patterns, soldiers of past and present and colourful Union Jacks.
d3’s advanced projection simulation toolkit, together with the company’s past experience in projection mapping projects around the globe, enabled the delivery of the imagery in conjunction with show designer Durham Marenghi, with further architectural lighting provided by north-west London lighting specialists Neg Earth.
A laser scanner was used in the initial stages of the project to create an accurate 3D model of the building. Preparation continued with 3D modeller and artist Nils Porrmann in order to set up the d3 stage, providing creative production company Treatment Studio with a content template to work on. Sam Pattinson, creative director of Treatment Studio, then commissioned a number of animators to create content fitting to the celebrations.
Chris Bird, director at d3 Technologies, said: “We’ve known Sam since 2003 and to get the chance to do such a monumental event together is just fantastic. At d3 Technologies, we understand the importance of 3D simulation of your event – especially with a very limited time-frame for your show or other complications like high-level security on-site. We have over 10 years of experience in the live events industry, and we know that simply relying on ‘rehearsal time’ is often just not good enough. Especially with events like this, you want to prove in advance that your project is going to look amazing.” www.d3technologies.comwww.barco.comwww.dviparrot.comwww.lightware.eu
