Projection Mapping Fundamentals: Beyond the Basics

Jun 09, 2025

Mike Ross

Director / Creative Technologist, Blue Alchemy Labs

Projection Mapping Fundamentals: Beyond the Basics

Liked by Lisa Matthews, CTS - AVIXA and 2 others

In the world of themed attractions and immersive experiences, technology is the new paintbrush—and projection mapping is the art form that’s turning heads everywhere. From iconic landmarks to cutting-edge exhibitions, this tech is transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

What Exactly Is Projection Mapping?

Think of projection mapping as digital wizardry. Instead of projecting onto a boring flat screen, we use advanced software and high-powered projectors to wrap moving images around buildings, domes, stage sets, and even ride vehicles. Suddenly, surfaces come alive—becoming waterfalls, galaxies, or interactive storybooks at the touch of a button.

The Global Stage: Real-World Inspiration

Projection mapping isn’t just a behind-the-scenes trick. It’s front and centre at some of the world’s most memorable experiences:

Van Gogh Immersive Experience: This travelling show lets you step inside Van Gogh’s masterpieces, with swirling colours and animated brushstrokes projected across every surface. Art class, reimagined.
teamLab Borderless, Tokyo: Here, art breaks free of the frame. Interactive projections respond to your every move, creating an ever-changing landscape where you’re part of the story.
Berlin Festival of Lights: Every year, Berlin’s most famous buildings—including the Brandenburg Gate—become giant canvases, transformed by artists into luminous, animated spectacles.
Facade Festival, Vancouver: The Vancouver Art Gallery’s façade is reimagined by digital artists, proving that public art and technology are a match made in creative heaven.

Behind the Scenes: The Technology That Makes It Happen

Let’s talk kit. Pulling off these visual spectacles takes more than a bit of technical know-how:

Barco & Christie RGB Pure Laser Projectors: These are the big guns—delivering the brightness, colour, and reliability needed for epic installations, both indoors and out.
Digital Projection & Panasonic: Reliable, versatile, and perfect for everything from immersive rides to museum exhibits.
Magnetic 3D: For those who want to ditch the 3D glasses and still get wow-factor depth.

And for the brains behind the operation:

MadMapper & HeavyM: User-friendly and packed with creative features, these platforms make it easy to turn wild ideas into reality.
Disguise, Pixera, Watchout: The industry’s go-to media servers for synchronising complex, multi-projector shows.
Vioso & Scalable Display Technologies: The secret sauce for seamless visuals—automating calibration and blending so even the trickiest surfaces look flawless.

What’s Trending?

Automated Calibration: With Vioso and Scalable, setting up a multi-projector show is faster, easier, and headache-free.
Cloud Content Management: Update your show from anywhere—no midnight dashes to the venue required.
Hybrid Experiences: Projection mapping is teaming up with AR and VR for even more immersive adventures.
Sustainability: Greener, more energy-efficient equipment means you can wow your audience and do your bit for the planet.

The Challenges (And Why We Love Them)

Every project brings its own quirks—prepping the perfect surface, aligning projectors down to the millimetre, and keeping content fresh. But these challenges are what make the end result so rewarding. There’s nothing quite like watching a crowd’s eyes light up as the impossible becomes reality.

Why Blue Alchemy Labs?

At Blue Alchemy Labs, we believe the best experiences blend creative vision with technical mastery. For every project, we assemble a custom team from our global network—matching the right talent to your unique brief. Whether you’re dreaming up a world-class theme park or an intimate immersive exhibit, our mission is to make projection mapping serve the story—and your audience—above all.

Ready to bring your next big idea to life?
Let’s create something unforgettable together. Visit www.bluealchemylabs.com or get in touch to see how we can turn your vision into an experience that truly stands out.

Mike Ross

Director / Creative Technologist, Blue Alchemy Labs

Mike's illustrious career as a multi-award-winning Creative Technical Director is marked by his profound expertise in designing and executing large-scale fixed installations and live event projects that consistently redefine the frontiers of technology and innovation.

Over the span of more than two decades, Mike has meticulously honed his craft, amassing invaluable experience across a diverse range of industries, including live events, automotive exhibitions, financial expos, museums, science centres, and themed entertainment attractions. His ability to seamlessly adapt to these varied domains is a testament to his versatility and technical acumen.

Mike's extensive portfolio is an impressive showcase of his technical prowess, featuring a broad spectrum of projects, from intricately detailed small-scale endeavours to grand, technologically advanced installations. Collaborating with eminent institutions and corporate giants such as The Sphere – Las Vegas, Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Studios, The Smithsonian Institute, The Adler Planetarium, The American Museum of Natural History, Apple, Barclays, Coca-Cola, Nike, Farah Leisure, Hyundai, Cedar Fair, Changi Airport Group, Merlin Entertainment, Dubai Parks and Resorts, and the BBC highlights the depth and technical diversity of his skill set.

What truly distinguishes Mike is his exceptional proficiency in merging creative artistry with cutting-edge technology. This intricate fusion is often overlooked in the industry, but it forms the cornerstone of his specialized skill set. Whether he's developing immersive environments that seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, interactive displays, and sensory experiences to educate and entertain or orchestrating intricate technical collaborations between creative and engineering teams, Mike consistently delivers projects that not only meet the highest technical standards but also captivate and engage audiences with unprecedented technical precision.

Mike's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences and technical innovation. His visionary approach, complemented by his exceptional grasp of complex technical intricacies, has firmly established him as a luminary in the realm of creative and technical direction, setting new industry benchmarks and inspiring others to embrace the intricacies of technology and innovation.

Select Projects include:

· Oman Botanic Garden: Muscat Oman

· The Sphere: Las Vegas, NV

· Amazon Upfronts 2022: London

· Tria Spa @ MGM Macau: Macau

· Luanda Science Centre: Luanda Angola

· Wonderfall and Dreamscape @ Changi Airport: Singapore

· HERE @ Outernet: London, UK

· Museum of the Future: Dubai, UAE

· Transformers: The Ride, Universal Studios Singapore: Singapore

· Room on the Broom, Chessington World of Adventure: UK

· Central St Martin MA Fashion Show: London