Light, landmarks and legacy. The power of projection mapping.

6 min leestijd

Lieven Bertels

Segment Lead Immersive Experiences

In a world saturated with screens and static displays, projection mapping offers something different: a way to tell stories that move people - literally and emotionally. This technology transforms buildings, monuments, and even natural landscapes into immersive storytelling platforms, not just to entertain, but to educate, preserve heritage, and foster deeper connections between people and place.

Light as a universal language

Projection mapping, also known as video mapping, goes far beyond decorative lighting. It allows creators to align digital visuals precisely with the contours of physical structures, turning static surfaces into dynamic, animated canvases. The result is a compelling fusion of architecture and narrative that can evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and deepen cultural understanding.

From the façades of European cathedrals to the walls of ancient temples in the East, I’ve seen projection mapping used to tell stories that resonate across generations. Whether it’s a historical reenactment, a celebration of local folklore, or a futuristic vision of urban life, the medium offers unmatched flexibility and emotional impact.

Soft infrastructure, strong impact

Urban regeneration is often associated with large-scale construction projects – new buildings, roads, and infrastructure. But in recent years I’ve seen a quieter, more flexible form of transformation is taking place. It’s called video mapping, and it’s turning underused spaces into vibrant cultural destinations.

Unlike traditional infrastructure, video mapping doesn’t require bricks and mortar. It uses light, projection, and storytelling to reimagine existing structures. It can be deployed quickly and flexibly, making it ideal for testing new uses for public areas or signalling the start of broader regeneration efforts. This makes it a form of “soft infrastructure” – a low-cost, high-impact tool for urban innovation transforming underused or derelict spaces into vibrant cultural hubs.

In Shanghai, for example, the Cadillac Concert Hall was revitalized through a 3D mapping show powered by twenty of our Barco UDX projectors. The project blended Chinese traditional music with immersive visuals, transforming a 91-year-old building into a dynamic cultural hub. The result? Increased foot traffic, renewed interest in local heritage, and a boost to the city’s cultural tourism sector.

Video mapping is particularly effective in areas facing economic or demographic challenges. I’ve come across examples in Japan, where regional art festivals featuring projection mapping have helped reverse youth out-migration and even led to the reopening of schools and daycare centers – tangible proof of its social impact.

Projection mapping show on Shanghai concert hall with Barco UDX projectors

Cultural preservation through innovation

One of the most powerful applications of projection mapping lies in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. Historic sites around the world are using this technology to reinterpret their stories for modern audiences. Instead of relying solely on plaques or audio guides, they now offer multi-sensory journeys that blend historical accuracy with artistic expression.

Projection mapping has been used to recreate lost architectural features on ancient ruins, visualize historical events on castle walls, and animate traditional art forms in public squares. These experiences not only attract tourists but also foster local pride and intergenerational dialogue.

In India, the Cellular Jail - a solemn monument to the country’s independence struggle - was reimagined through a multimedia projection show. Barco’s high-brightness laser projectors brought history to life, combining holographic visuals with surround sound to deepen emotional impact and historical understanding.

Video mapping doesn’t just beautify a space, it redefines it. By projecting stories, symbols, and shared values onto buildings and landmarks, it helps communities reconnect with their environment. This emotional resonance is key to successful placemaking and long-term urban resilience.

Customer story pictures CS Barco's Immersive Projection Mapping brings history back to life at historical Cellular Jail, India

Projection mapping doesn't just beautify a space - it redefines it.

From passive viewing to active participations

What makes projection mapping so effective is its ability to transform passive viewers into active participants. In recent installations, I’ve noticed more interactive elements, such as gesture recognition, audience-triggered animations, or mobile integration, that allow visitors to influence the story in real time. This interactivity fosters a sense of agency and personal connection, making the experience more memorable and meaningful.

Research shows that immersive storytelling significantly boosts knowledge retention and emotional connection. In cultural tourism, this means visitors don’t just see a site, they experience its story. They walk away entertained, informed and inspired. And in my view, this is particularly valuable for heritage locations where traditional interpretation methods may fall short.

A platform for public-private partnerships

Projection mapping is inherently collaborative. Governments, cultural institutions, and private companies must work together to fund, design, and deliver impactful experiences. In Singapore, for example, government support for the arts has included digitalization grants and capability development programs – helping festivals like i Light Marina Bay thrive.

These partnerships are essential for scaling video mapping initiatives and ensuring long-term sustainability. They also create opportunities for local artists, designers, and technologists to co-create experiences that are both visually stunning and culturally resonant, and contribute to their city’s transformation.

Projection mapping is more than a visual effect. It’s a cultural medium with the power to educate, inspire, and unite.

Conclusion

Projection mapping is more than a visual effect. It’s a cultural medium with the power to educate, inspire, and unite. As cities and institutions around the world seek new ways to engage audiences and preserve heritage, this technology offers a bridge between the past and the future, the physical and the digital, the local and the global.

With Barco’s high-performance projection solutions enabling these experiences, I’m excite to see how the world’s landmarks are becoming luminous storytellers, inviting us all to see culture in a new light.

Learn more about our projection mapping solutions here, or reach out to talk about future projects.

Lieven Bertels is Segment Lead of Barco’s Immersive Experience team. He has over 25 years of experience as a creative and executive director in various media and cultural organizations in Europe, Australia and the US.

Before joining Barco, Lieven was the inaugural director of the Momentary, a new multi-disciplinary arts center and museum he helped build in NW Arkansas at the invitation of the Walton family (Walmart). Before moving to Arkansas, Lieven stood at the helm of cultural organizations in Sydney (Aus), Amsterdam (NL), and Bruges (B).

Lieven Bertels served on the board of the International Society for the Performing Arts (New York) and received a Knighthood in the Belgian Order of the Crown in 2013.