Barco, a technology company specialising in innovative visualisation solutions, has deployed its advanced projection technology to enhance the visitor experience at Via Riyadh, a premium lifestyle destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Welcoming thousands of visitors each week to its luxury hotel, high-end retail outlets, and lively public spaces, Via Riyadh provides a strategic location for immersive visual experiences.
To strengthen the venue’s visual identity, a projection-mapped installation was designed to illuminate the mall and hotel façades, transforming them into vivid storytelling canvases.
Strong local partnership
This installation was characterised by its strategic location and the site's distinctive architecture. Its spectacular arch-shaped buildings offered both a challenge and an opportunity, and required an installation that would enhance their beauty without overpowering them.
The project posed unique challenges, particularly the need to complete the installation while the venue remained fully operational, with minimal disruption and within a limited timeframe. In addition, the projection equipment required installation at heights of between 20 and 24 metres, demanding both technical accuracy and strict safety measures.
To guarantee the prompt delivery and integration of the projection systems, Martin Professional Middle East, Barco’s trusted distribution partner, provided local expertise and logistical support for the project. This enabled the team to stay on schedule despite the tight timeline and changing requirements.
Having had positive experiences with Barco solutions before, the team chose the Barco UDX-4K40 projector for its ultra-bright, razor-sharp 4K visuals, essential for large-scale architectural projection, and robust reliability, even in challenging conditions.
A total of 35 units were deployed to transform Via Riyadh’s architecture into a vibrant, dynamic visual experience.
A dedicated control room was built on the rooftop, equipped with an air conditioning system to maintain optimal operating conditions for the equipment. Additionally, Barco’s Pulse software tools, including the Pulse Toolset, Pulse Prospector, and Pulse Mobile App, provide a unified, modernised workflow.
Pulse Toolset
The straightforward transition from the legacy Projector Toolset to the Pulse Toolset marked a significant step toward making setup and calibration easier. With Pulse Toolset, all Barco Pulse-based projectors were linked to the same network and operated through a centralised interface, enabling seamless projector alignment and efficient management of the complex multi-building setup.
Furthermore, the Pulse Mobile App played a crucial role in delivering this smooth experience to mobile devices. The configurations made in the Pulse Toolset are fully compatible with the Pulse Mobile App, allowing for seamless handover and adjustments while on the move.
With this software, the team can instantly apply settings to all devices or specific groups, switch between saved configurations easily, and monitor device status and performance in real time.
Mohammad Hamdan, AV engineer at Martin Professional ME, says: "Switching to the Pulse setup tools was a game-changer. Compared to the previous Projector Toolset, we saw a 38% reduction in setup time.
"The intuitive interface and smart alignment features allowed us to focus on creativity rather than troubleshooting."
Completed in March 2023, the installation has become a key feature of Via Riyadh. The projection mapping's emotion and energy resonate with visitors, who now attend for the immersive visual experience, as well as shopping and dining.
The project was delivered on time by Barco, in close collaboration with Martin Professional Middle East, and exceeded expectations. The client noted that the buildings now feel alive as they pulse with light, colour, and energy, in a strong example of how technology can enhance architecture and enrich public spaces.
Earlier this month, Barco formally launched its redesigned Experience Center at its global headquarters in Kortrijk, Belgium.
