“One of the projects we are particularly proud of”. In cooperation with our Indian partners Pyramid Technologies, Knownsense Studios, L&T and Christie, we have created by far the largest permanently installed 3D video & laser mapping in the world on the highest statue in the world, the “Statue of Unity” in India. Dedicated to visionary Indian statesman Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the statue was officially unveiled by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31, 2018. At 182 meters tall, the bronze-clad statue is twice the height of the Statue of Liberty.
Located in the state of Gujarat near the Sardar-Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River, the statue was designed by the renowned Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar. As night falls, the statue becomes the screen of a fascinating projection depicting Patel’s life and achievements.
By combining and synchronizing different multimedia elements, we are able to tell the inspirational life story of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in an engaging way, while giving viewers a massive multi-sensory impact.
Modern laser and video systems, as well as careful planning were the starting point for such an amazing permanent installation. It is the world’s largest use of high-power projectors on a colossal statue.
The goal was to create something unique and groundbreaking that would have a huge impact around the world. The show should be realized in a way that supports the massive appearance of the “Statue of Unity” and includes a balanced mix of audiovisual elements that engage the audience to create an unforgettable experience.
The show has received rave reviews since its debut on October 31, 2018. Every evening it attracts up to 30,000 spectators who want to be amazed by dynamic optics and colorful lasers. We have also won several awards for the 3D video & laser mapping on the Statue of Unity such as the “Systems Integration India” award for the best audio visual media application in the entertainment industry in 2019. We also received an ILDA Award and a Mondoo Award for the project.
We realized:
The project included the complete planning up to the turnkey installation. Our Indian partner took care of the storyboard and content creation. We realized and programmed the complete design, the video mapping, the supplies, the installation, the
Testing and commissioning of the Crimson projectors and our LightCube laser systems on site.
Were installed:
- 51 Christie® Crimson 25k WU25 3DLP® Laser Projectors
- Disguise 4x4pro video projector
- Titan workstation laser & sound controller
- Remote control system
- 6 x LightCube 871 30 W OPSL high-end laser systems
- Installed in custom built IP65 weatherproof housing
Challenges:
Mapping the largest statue in the world was a special challenge for us. We also have our local partners to thank for the fact that this project was able to be completed in just 2.5 months. There were several factors that made this project challenging. These include a projection distance of over 600 meters and the characteristic bronze-colored metallic projection surface that absorbs (swallows) a lot of light. We also had to develop a special mirror system to achieve the desired projection results. The biggest challenge, however, was the extremely short time span. We only had 10 weeks from placing the order to opening. During this time, the complete planning, production of the video projectors and laser systems, as well as custom-made products had to be produced. The production of all LightCube OPSL laser systems and the 51 video racks with special mirror technology was implemented in-house in record time. The logistics and shipping with customs clearance was also a mammoth task. However, the biggest task was the on-site installation. Upon arrival, the floor slab of the media room had not even been cast and there was only limited space for the media technology. Construction of the technical building planned by HB-Laser began just 20 days before the opening. The complete projection building was erected on site under the direction of HB-Laser – including a 250 kW condensate-free special cooling system and the entire control technology. At the same time, during the construction of the building, the installation of video and laser technology began. In Germany, too, the HB employees were not idle and produced the technical one at the same time and in coordination with the processes in India
Part of the 3D content for the 3D video mapping as well as the complete laser programming on site. At the same time, the 32-minute show was programmed for the statue. But despite the adverse circumstances, we were able to solve all the problems in the short time and complete the project in time for the opening.
