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Tag: UNESCO World Heritage site

  • Christie RGB pure laser projectors illuminate UNESCO World Heritage Site Rani ki Vav in one of India’s most ambitious projection mapping shows

    Christie RGB pure laser projectors illuminate UNESCO World Heritage Site Rani ki Vav in one of India’s most ambitious projection mapping shows

    Christie® is proud to announce that its RGB pure laser projectors are at the heart of a breathtaking new light and sound show at Rani‑ki‑Vav, the 11th‑century stepwell and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Patan, Gujarat. Commissioned by the Government of Gujarat and inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 31, the large‑scale projection mapping spectacle transforms the 500‑foot‑long subterranean monument into an immersive canvas of history and art, marking one of the most technically sophisticated heritage shows ever executed in India.

    Recognized as one of the world’s most extraordinary subterranean monuments and a global symbol of India’s architectural and artistic heritage, the façade of Rani‑ki‑Vav is illuminated using 10 Christie RGB pure laser projectors, including the Griffyn 4K35‑RGB and M 4K25 RGB models, delivering up to 36,500 lumens per projector. The projectors’ exceptional 4K resolution and wide color gamut were essential in faithfully reproducing the stepwell’s intricate carvings, stone textures, and subtle color variations from warm sandstone hues to deep indigo night skies.

    The project was supported by Design Factory India as consultant, with Aura Bright Light supplying and installing the projectors, while Knownsense Studios led content creation. The monument was digitally captured and mapped to a massive 22,000‑pixel‑wide content canvas, one of the largest ever created for an Indian heritage site. A multidisciplinary team of artists, animators, and heritage researchers collaborated to develop visuals and narratives that celebrate the story, philosophy, and cultural roots of Rani‑ki‑Vav.

    Working under strict guidelines set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), no permanent or visible structures were permitted on site. To meet these requirements, a unique solution using hydraulic lift‑based projector mounts concealed below ground was engineered. Each lift rises six meters (19.6 feet) to its precisely pre‑aligned position during showtime and retracts afterward, ensuring zero visual intrusion during the day while delivering millimeter‑accurate alignment for night performances.

    “Rani‑ki‑Vav demanded a technological solution that could match the monument’s extraordinary craftsmanship,” said Siddharth Bathla, director and co-founder, Design Factory India. “Christie’s RGB pure laser projectors were the clear choice, delivering the resolution, brightness, and color fidelity needed to honor every carving and contour, while the concealed hydraulic infrastructure ensured the monument’s sanctity was fully preserved.”

    Shailesh Patel, managing director, Aura Bright Light, added, “Executing a project of this scale within the constraints of a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a rare challenge. The innovative deployment of the Christie Griffyn 4K35‑RGB and M 4K25 RGB projectors on hydraulic lifts enabled us to achieve spectacular results with precise alignment, while adhering to every conservation guideline set by ASI.”

    “We treated Rani‑ki‑Vav not as a backdrop, but as the protagonist of the story,” said Mandeep Sharma, head of Production and Animation, Knownsense Studios. “Christie’s 4K RGB projectors allowed our ultra‑high‑resolution content and 3D animations to blend seamlessly with the stone architecture, creating an emotional, immersive experience that feels both contemporary yet deeply rooted in history.”

    Blending motifs inspired by Patan Patola textiles, ancient water architecture, and spiritual symbolism, the projection is paired with an evocative soundtrack and narration. Traditional Indian instruments merge with cinematic orchestration, echoing the rhythm of chisels and flowing water to guide audiences through moments of creation, devotion, and rediscovery.

    Rishubh Nayar, ProAV sales director for India, Christie, commented, “This project exemplifies how technology can elevate heritage storytelling with dignity and precision. Our RGB pure laser projectors are designed for demanding environments where color accuracy, fine detail, and long‑term reliability are non‑negotiable. Rani‑ki‑Vav powerfully demonstrates how light can connect past and present on a global stage.”

    By uniting 4K RGB pure laser projection, 4K resolution content, and culturally authentic storytelling, the Rani‑ki‑Vav light and sound show has elevated digital heritage experiences to greater heights. More than a spectacle, it is a living dialogue between centuries where stone, sound, and light come together to celebrate India’s legacy with reverence, innovation, and global impact.

  • At-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah: A Masterpiece of Historical Illumination

    At-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah: A Masterpiece of Historical Illumination

    The ancient city of At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is now a stunning nighttime spectacle, due to the artistry of Speirs Major Light Architecture (SMLA) supported by 3,200 lighting fixtures by Martin Professional.

    This lighting project brings to life the epic scale and historical significance of At-Turaif with a beautifully layered tapestry of golden light. Speirs Major’s design articulates the stories hidden in the layers of buildings, courtyards, and archaeological remnants, capturing and reflecting the site’s extraordinary spirit to create a remarkable living national monument.

    At-Turaif, dating back to the 15th century, was the first capital of the Saudi state. Perched on a raised site at the edge of the ad-Dir’iyah oasis, in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, it includes the remains of many palaces and an urban settlement. The lighting design by SMLA enhances the site’s historical essence, turning it into a nighttime masterpiece.

    The lighting fixtures utilized in the At-Turaif project come from Martin Professional’s Exterior Linear and Exterior Wash families. These product lines are designed for demanding environments, ensuring longevity and reliable performance. Key features include ease of installation, deep saturated colors, smart infrastructure for individual fixture control, and durability in extreme conditions.

    “The opportunity to create the after-dark experience of such a special and significant site is a rare honour,” said Keith Bradshaw, CEO of Speirs Major Light Architecture. “Our previous work on exceptional sites like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the Dom Tower in Utrecht informed our approach at At-Turaif. We are fascinated by the stories and memories that live within these unique places and how we can use light as a narrative tool to draw them out, creating a meaningful connection between people, place, and architecture.

    The feeling of walking within At-Turaif feels literally like stepping back in time. The design amplifies this sense of another time and place, animating the subtle tonal variations in the natural materials to feel as if they are lit by flickering torch light. Finding the right quality of light was crucial. SMLA tested a huge range of tones to achieve the exact shade of golden light that makes the mud-brick walls glow beautifully and naturally.

    Addressing the sheer scale of At-Turaif, SMLA leveraged their extensive experience in city light master planning, breaking the project into phases and zones. They carefully analyzed the site from all important viewing angles, ensuring that the site remains a major focal point in the landscape when viewed from Diriyah Gate across Wadi Hanifah. Balancing the external identity and the internal experience of the monument was key to the design.

    Bradshaw elaborates on the design approach: “Having identified the surfaces, facades, streets, and courtyards that shape the site’s most important views and experiences, we used a palette of differing light intensities to create a richly interwoven tapestry of layers and zones. This design supports locals and visitors in understanding and appreciating the site, while revealing its beauty.”

    “The Martin lighting fixtures used in this project ensure longevity and reliability,” said Leif Orkelbog-Andresen, Manager of Business Development at Martin Professional. “The fixtures’ advanced features make them ideal for projects requiring robust and versatile lighting solutions.

    “We have had the privilege of collaborating with SMLA on several prestigious projects. When we were considered for the At-Turaif project, we recognized its extraordinary scope and unique requirements. We assembled a specialized team and conducted extensive trials over five months. The project demanded exceptional support, and we are proud to have been part of this incredible journey.”