project: syntropy, a creator of technology and display solutions for dome cinemas and immersive attractions, is exhibiting at IAAPA Expo Asia in Shanghai this week.
The company is exhibiting at booth #1332, and will share details of its unparalleled mixed-reality immersive environments, created using projection technologies.
The event, which is the leading trade show for the attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region, is being held at Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The trade show floor opens today and runs until 3 July.
See also: What not to miss: education, exhibits & events at IAAPA Expo Asia 2025
Turnkey mixed-reality solution
Shanghai holds a special significance for the company. At the height of the pandemic, when few companies were able to enter China, project: syntropy was appointed to install a mixed-reality project in the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center (SUPEC), on behalf of Space M GmbH.
This turnkey immersive interactive 5D mixed-reality environment features a 20-metre wide, 10-metre high fibre glass projection screen. The screen is cylindrical in the middle with a toroidal shape to the top and bottom.
It also includes a floor projection, 12+11-channel 4K 3D-stereo projection, 24-channel IG-rendercluster, numerous tracking systems, domeprojection.com ProjectionTools auto-alignment, 22-channel surround sound and show control.
Shanghai Digital Twin
The refurbishment of SUPEC was led by SBA Staedtebau Architekten, Germany, which was commissioned to update both the building and the exhibition concept. This included the transformation of the central exhibit, the physical model of the city centre at a 1:500 scale, to create a 5D Digital Twin of Shanghai.
The Fraunhofer Institute IFF’s Elbe-Dome 2.0, which features a distinctive projection system recently upgraded by project: syntropy, served as the technological blueprint for this exhibit.
Following a visit to Fraunhofer Institute IFF in Germany, the client was convinced of the enormous potential of both the technology and the concept.
The immersive interactive digital 5D city model, known as the ‘Digital Sandtable’, combines numerous technologies from virtual and mixed reality to create a fully immersive, future-proof digital city model.
Its expansive, wave-shaped screen extends over two floors, enclosing guests in the immersive environment complete with floor projection. A VIP area on the upper floor provides a venue for presentations and meetings.
The high-resolution 12+11-channel 4K projection system also supports 3D-stereo projection. The integration of multiple advanced tracking systems enables the selection of different dynamic eye points. A choice of model scales is available, in addition to a range of modes, including visitor, VIP, and analytical expert mode.
The real-time 3D city model runs on a 24-channel high-performance IG rendering cluster, and is based on 3D data prepared for the exhibition by the city of Shanghai. This can be changed or expanded as required.
Further content can also be added or overlaid, including GIS data, simulations such as development and mobility planning, or implementation measures based on urban planning.
project: syntropy’s scope included the creative-technical concept, system design, delivery, installation, integration and commissioning of the complete visual system including screen, IG render cluster, surround sound audio system, and media control, in addition to the initial calibration and the final training of the operating staff. The company’s local team provides maintenance.
Recently, project: syntropy collaborated with a team of specialists to deliver Odyssey Malta, the new flying theatre in Malta’s landmark Mercury Tower development. The project represents both an advanced attraction and what can be achieved when top-tier experiential design meets technical ingenuity.
