More details from Christie Digital (http://www.christiedigital.com):
KITCHENER, Ontario – Christie technology is drawing locals and tourists to Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal’s entertainment district, in the heart of downtown. Within this square kilometer, audiences are captivated by visual creations displayed on several buildings using 26 Christie Roadster HD18K, Christie Roadster S+20K, Christie Roadster HD20K-J 3-chip DLP and Christie Roadster S+22K-J 3-chip DLP projectors.
“This is truly a unique projection mapping display with artists from everywhere using the Montreal buildings as their canvas to develop new ways of delivering creative content,” said Mikael Charpin, assistant director of Luminous Pathway, Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.
“The objective is to provide artists with a toolbox they can use for projection mapping, making the Quartier des Spectacles a creative lab while enhancing the buildings in respect with their nature. Every image must meet certain criteria before it is considered for the display and the videos have to express the theme of the building they are displayed upon,” added Ivan Klein, technical director and project manager, Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.
“For example, the Science building of the University of Quebec in Montreal projection mapping theme is ‘Learning and Knowledge.’ And in a beautiful meeting of projection mapping and music, the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal (Montreal Symphony Orchestra) featured a musician playing the piano with the notes and vibrations displaying on the building. When people touched a musical note, the sound is transformed into a visual happening and it is an entertaining way to become initiated to the music.”
The managers researched various projector manufacturers and, according to Klein, “Not only are Christie projectors excellent quality and manufactured in Canada, a real priority for us is to have a very good service provider. Christie delivers that service and is close by.”
With the city’s harsh winters and stifling summers, keeping everything running smoothly could present a challenge, but not for Christie technology.
“Running since mid-2011, the projectors have worked beautifully for the last 18 months. The show is even more magical in the winter with the reflections in the snow and ice. From December to February, the show’s theme is ‘Lighting Therapy’ and visitors come to live an energizing experience that shows winter’s inspiring side, through the magic of light.
“This is a 365 day a year project and everything has to work properly with no down time,” said Charpin. “It is important for these building owners to know their building is lit every night and with Christie, we have a company with good value and reputation – and with durable products. It has really caught on because when building owners see the projection mapping on someone’s wall, they then want us to use their wall for a presentation. Since we started this, we have definitely seen that it has helped revitalize the area.”
Photo: Martine Doyon
