A Modulo Pi media server and six Panasonic laser projectors have been used to transform a chapel at Wynn Hospital in Utica, New York into a multi-denominational immersive sanctuary, with creative production company Ancora Productions designing the experience and MayCo handling AV integration.
The Bonnie Tamer Woods Sanctuary presented significant technical challenges. The 840sqft room features four flat walls connected by rounded corners, creating a hybrid geometry that complicated projection design. No accurate architectural drawings existed for the space, requiring Ancora to conduct a full manual measurement survey before carrying out a detailed projection study using Modulo Kinetic Designer 2D+3D software to determine optimal projector placement, lens types and coverage simulation.
The final system uses six Panasonic PT-RZ7L laser projectors ceiling-mounted and hidden behind an architectural soffit, with lenses positioned precisely at its edge to remain invisible to visitors. Projections extend from floor to ceiling – approximately 10.5ft – covering three full walls and around 75 percent of the fourth. A single Modulo Player Pro media server drives all six outputs, with each output supporting up to 155 warp control points to handle the room’s curved surfaces and slight construction variations.
Content was developed by Ancora to reflect both religious diversity and natural environments, with imagery captured from churches, synagogues and mosques in Utica, reconstructed and composed to suit the sanctuary’s geometry. Subtle animated elements – flickering candles, drifting clouds, birds in flight – were added to bring scenes to life without distracting from quiet reflection.
Daily operation is handled through a custom iPad interface built within Modulo Player, allowing hospital staff to select and launch scenes with a single touch. Password-protected pages provide separate access levels for operators and technicians.
Dennis Capucilli, CEO of Ancora Productions, said: “This challenge was almost the opposite of what we normally do for large shows or corporate events. Here, the objective was to create a space where people could be alone with their thoughts, while surrounding them with a comforting environment that never intrudes.”
Cody Niblett, director of project management at MayCo, added: “The warp system within Modulo Player was particularly important during this installation. Each output can support up to 155 warp control points, allowing precise control over how the projected image conforms to the projection surface.”
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