MOCA Lights Projection Mapping Scans

In an innovative fusion of technology and art, MYND Workshop joined forces with MOCA Lights for a groundbreaking project set against the historic backdrop of Patchogue's downtown area in Long Island, NY. This collaborative effort aimed to breathe life into the architectural canvas of Patchogue, transforming five distinguished buildings into vibrant spectacles of light and creativity through the magic of projection mapping. The event, part of the annual MOCA Lights festival held from October 5-9, 2023, showcased the transformative power of digital art in public spaces.

Projection Mapping onto a building during the MOCA Lights Festival in Patchogue, NY, 2023

3D Projection Mapping onto a church facade during the MOCA Lights Festival in Patchogue, NY, 2023

The process began with meticulous LiDAR scanning of the selected buildings, capturing their intricate details and unique architectural features. These scans were then meticulously converted into clean, optimized 3D models, serving as the foundation for projection mapping artists to unleash their creativity. The precision of these digital twins allowed artists to accurately align their dynamic visuals with the real-world architecture, ensuring a seamless integration of art and structure.

Raw Mesh from 3D Laser Scans of a Church Facade

Retopologized Mesh after 3D Scanning a historic church facade

Retopology and the development of clean UV maps were crucial steps in preparing the 3D models for artistic use. These technical processes ensured that the models were not only accurate but also artist-friendly, allowing for intuitive design and projection alignment. The availability of these detailed models significantly streamlined the creative workflow, enabling artists to focus on the artistic aspects rather than the technicalities of model creation.

Raw Mesh from 3D Laser Scans of a historic bank building facade

Retopologized Mesh after 3D Scanning a historic bank building facade

Raw Mesh from 3D Laser Scans of a historic post office building facade

Retopologized Mesh after 3D Scanning a historic post office building facade

This project, a collaboration between MYND Workshop, the Patchogue Arts Council, and North Stream for visuals and projection mapping, highlighted the symbiotic relationship between advanced scanning technology and creative expression. As a key sponsor, MYND Workshop's contribution was instrumental in the success of MOCA Lights, showcasing the potential of 3D laser scanning and projection mapping to transform public spaces into immersive art installations.