Installation TREE OF LIGHT

I was approached by DROOG Design to give advice on the holographic applications and eventually to participate in a co-design project. The assignment was to develop a digital installation TREE OF LIGHT in the form of a holographic Christmas tree. The unique digital installation was hung above the entrance of the museum shop in the atrium.

‘By developing a design linked to the space by the similar form made it a whole’

Design of the canvas
The starting point was to realize an installation as seamlessly and invisibly as possible. The biggest challenge for me as a designer was the size of the canvas.  After an extensive research in suitable materials in the field of holographic projection sheets, it quickly became clear that the choice palette was limited. Having assessed all the options and alternatieve models, the conclusion was drawn that it was not possible to realize the canvas from a one sheet.  The ceiling of the atrium is build from slat-shaped segments. By overlaying the slats it gives the projection an extra-dimensional effect. That is why I decided to design the layout from vertical slats with overlaps. To be precise: 7.5 meters high and 6 meters wide build from 33 slats. Pyracied – the specialist in acrylics provided the advanced projection sheets, so called the ‘holographic’ projection sheet APS.

Collaboration
In addition to designing the canvas, I developed the concept for the holographic installation together with EYRIS and BeamBrothers.  EYRIS modulated the tree in 3D and provided the beautiful 3D animation. BeamBrothers supplied for the projection 4 Digital Projection Titan Super Quads. Van Dik Hout Decor took care of the assembly and disassembly of the installation. They also realized a miniature model of the canvas on which the 3D animation were displayed as a test.

Eyecatcher
The projection was not only to be admired in the museum but also good to see outside from the bicycle tunnel that goes right through the building. TREE OF LIGHT was launched as an eye-catcher in the context of the Amsterdam Light Festival in 2013. As a result of great success, it was subsequently set up every year in the period 2014-2018.

Client
DROOG Design

Date
07 Dec 2013

Location
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam