Learn more about Pro AV Solutions’ visionary projection mapping for Coogee Chemicals
Coogee Chemicals projection mapping: A groundbreaking Australian first
Pro AV Solutions, a leader in advanced AV integration, recently brought a pioneering vision to life with a stunning projection mapping project for Coogee Chemicals in Kwinana, Western Australia. Utilizing the Christie Griffyn 4K35-RGB pure laser projector, this installation transformed a fuel storage tank into a dazzling canvas for large-scale digital art—the first project of its kind in Australia.
Photo credit: Pro AV Solutions WA
The prominent Australian chemical company had worked with the City of Kwinana to realize its vision of turning a fuel storage tank, prominently located along Patterson Road, into a cultural landmark that would captivate the community. “Coogee Chemicals had clearly done extensive research to refine their creative vision,” says Matt Linney, Sales Manager at Pro AV Solutions WA. “Their insistence on leading-edge color accuracy, brightness, and resolution led us to select the Christie Griffyn 4K35-RGB projector.”
“There is a certain fondness that is engendered within the public when seemingly boring landmarks ‘come to life’.” –Matt Linney, Pro AV Solutions WA
The Griffyn 4K35-RGB was an ideal fit, delivering 36,500 lumens of brightness, native 4K resolution, integrated cooling and a sealed optical path for reliable long-life illumination performance. Paired with the ILS4 1.13-1.66:1 high brightness zoom lens, it ensured that every artistic detail was faithfully rendered, overcoming the challenges of projecting onto the tank’s curved surface.
Innovative solutions for unique challenges
The outdoor nature of the project and the tank’s cylindrical shape posed significant challenges. “The cylindrical surface required extensive pre-construction engineering and modeling to ensure the projected artwork stayed true to the artists’ original intent,” explains Linney. Using Christie’s advanced optical lens tilt-shift and digital adjustments, Pro AV Solutions achieved a planar visual effect, delivering a seamless display on the tank’s curved structure.
Photo credit: Coogee Chemicals
Kwinana’s extreme weather conditions added another layer of complexity. “The summer heat and coastal winds could have rendered any system inoperable,” explains Linney. To safeguard the Griffyn 4K35-RGB projector, the team employed a Tempest outdoor projector enclosure equipped with refrigerated air conditioning. This solution ensured reliable performance under harsh conditions while extending the projection system’s lifespan.
Meticulous planning and execution
Execution of the project began long before installation. “The hardest work happens at the design and engineering desk,” says Linney. “Once these rigorous calculations and modelling were completed, we could assuredly provide Coogee Chemicals with a documented outcome before a footing had even been set at the installation site.”
“Projects like this evoke a unique sense of pride, turning ordinary landmarks into symbols of cultural significance.” –Matt Linney, Pro AV Solutions WA
The projection, spanning over 24 meters long and 15 meters high, dominates the tank’s southeast corner, ensuring that northbound commuters looking in a North-Western direction can appreciate its vivid imagery and precise alignment.
Photo credit: Coogee Chemicals
Collaboration with Coogee Chemicals and the six selected artists, each tasked with producing five pieces of art, was pivotal to the project’s success. “All credit goes to Coogee Chemicals for communicating the artists’ exacting requirements,” says Linney. The artwork, vividly brought to life through projection mapping, now stands as a striking visual feature that pierces the darkness of night.
A landmark for the community
The installation has garnered widespread acclaim from both Coogee Chemicals and the local community. “Projects like this evoke a unique sense of pride, turning ordinary landmarks into symbols of cultural significance,” shares Linney, noting that many have compared the installation to Western Australia’s iconic Dingo Flour Mill, with some suggesting it will become an enduring symbol of the region’s creative spirit.
“It is not an exaggeration to suggest that motorists and passers-by will hold the Coogee Chemicals artwork projection with the same affinity, particularly as the years pass. There is a certain fondness that is engendered within the public when seemingly boring landmarks ‘come to life’. For Pro AV, this project represents precisely that.”
Photo credit: Coogee Chemicals
Looking to the future
The Coogee Chemicals project has set a new benchmark for large-scale outdoor projection mapping in Australia. “Close relationships with manufacturers like Christie and Tempest were critical to our success,” Linney emphasizes. “Their technical support ensured we could meet every challenge and deliver on time.”
As Pro AV Solutions reflects on this achievement, it’s clear that the power of projection mapping is only beginning to be realized. With Christie’s state-of-the-art projection technology at its core, the Coogee Chemicals installation demonstrates how functional structures can be reimagined as beacons of artistic expression.
