Projection Mapping on Unusual Surfaces
Overview
This project asks a direct question: how can projection mapping escape the rigidity of flat walls and perfect angles?
The work investigates tree bark, sculptures, and textured environments as projection canvases — surfaces that actively resist the clean geometry of standard mapping work.
Testing Phase
The initial phase involved:
- Testing brightness thresholds and projection alignment across non-flat surfaces
- Evaluating the impact of shape and surface topology on visual clarity
- Adjusting blackpoint, luminance range, and animation frequency to preserve surface texture rather than overwhelm it
The goal was not to project onto the surface but to project with it — using the irregularities as a feature.
Key Findings
High-contrast colour palettes, low-frequency motion, and simple geometric complexity improve organic surface visual clarity. Materials like tree bark performed best with bold outlines and rhythmic, slow movement.
Detailed, fast-moving visuals disappeared into the noise of the surface texture. The surface texture itself became part of the image.
Deliverables
- Calibrated projection levels for uneven surfaces
- Design guidelines for textured forms
- Animation pacing protocols for organic material
- Portable outdoor testing methodology
