Hey, boys and girls. I was recently turned on to a new digital medium by a friend of mine, Biff, called 3D architectural projection mapping, and wanted to share.

3D architectural projection mapping is a neat new method of displaying 3D animation and motion graphics on the 2D surfaces of a building. When done right, the resulting visuals are stunning. I think this medium will catch on and be widely used in the next few years.  So far, most of the examples I’ve seen are just for entertainment, though a few companies are using it for advertising already.

The most successful implementations for this technology are ones in which the animation utilizes the actual physical structure of the building, such as windows and doors. In these cases, the animation is more integrated into the environment and seems more real. One of my favorite tricks is showing a part of the building “crumbling”, then showing some alternate “world” inside. The Samsung example I have linked to below does this very successfully.

I have provided several links to some of my favorite 3D architectural projection examples below. I hope you enjoy them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNfCWQjKbwM
This one is an ad for a Samsung TV.  It starts slow but gets very interesting at around 45sec.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdX4JYsLYtc&feature=related
Projection on Gorey Castle for Jersey’s recent Branchage Festival.

http://vimeo.com/11160666
This one is for ACDC and IronMan 2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IICGkOtJ9E
This example was created for New Years 2011 in Sugar Land, Texas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSR0Xady02o
Advertising “The Tourist”, a new film with Johnny Depp.