The Kamouraska Projection Dome, located in La Pocatière, Quebec, Canada, is an immersive, 360° experience highlighting the culture and history of the Kamouraska region of Quebec. As a global leader in systems integration and live productions, Solotech is extremely proud to have been afforded the opportunity to apply our expertise to the execution and achievement of this incredibly innovative project. Using stunning 4K video projection, the dome offers compelling 360° sights of the beautiful landscapes that can be found in the region. The dome, which also functions as an event space for corporate and live shows, is controlled via a centralized Crestron control system.
Solutions to a 360° Challenge
From a short, tight schedule to complex logistics and advanced technologies, this project had many challenges. In only four months, the Solotech team was able to design a dome structure—with a negative pressure system, a dome video projection system, a fully customized control experience, and coordinate the work with a dozen of different trades without missing one milestone. Solotech teamed up with Pacific Dome for the engineering and supply of the dome, as well as Halo Creation who created the video content, plus the construction team.
The projection, mostly captured with 360° cameras, is presented in 4,096 x 4,096 DomeMaster format inside a 36-foot dome that provides the perfect curve for the immersive projection. Projecting on a dome, being the ultimate art of video mapping, it had to be perfectly planned in order to deliver exceptional quality. After running multiple 3D simulations and adjusting our design, Solotech provided a solution using the AV Stumpfl PIXERA two Octo media server and eight Christie DWU1075-GS projectors to map the surface. A 180° camera provides the ability to scan the geometry of the dome and calibrate the mapping using Vioso calibration software.
A surround sound system delivers all the audio energy in the dome with the Bose RoomMatch Series. Five Bose RMU-208 and two Bose MB210 speakers driven by a Bose PM8500N amplifier brings more than enough power in the dome at 105 dB SPL while keeping a speech transmission index (STI) of 0.60 to 0.64. The sound system is controlled by the Bose EX-1280C audio processor with Dante. The signal is sent from the PIXERA server using a Dante Virtual Soundcard.
Solotech fabricated custom steel trusses and engineered the mechanical structure to properly support the projectors within the tight constraints of the dome. Eight Chauvet SlimPAR Pro H lights were installed in the trusses to create color effects between presentations. An ETC Mosaic DMX processor controls the lights.
The Crestron control system is operated via a wireless 9-inch touch panel, a Crestron TST-902. Through multiple sessions with the client and design team, Solotech created an intuitive, simple to use control panel that lets the client conduct just about any activity in the dome and have full control of the components within a few simple steps. This provides a user-friendly experience belying the complex technologies used in the dome.
Key Equipment
- 8 Christie DWU1075-GS Projectors
- AV Stumpfl PIXERA two Octo Media Server
- Crestron DMPS3-4K-150-C Presentation Switcher
- Crestron TST-902 Touch Panel Controller
- Bose EX-1280C Processor
- Bose PM8500N PowerMatch Amplifier
- 5 Bose RMU208 Speakers
- 2 Bose MB210 Subwoofers
- ETC Mosaic MSC1 Show Controller
- 8 Chauvet SlimPAR Pro H Luminaires
- Dome by Pacific Dome
Design Team
- Alexandre Martinet – Solotech
- Daniel Petit – Solotech
- Alexandre Matheson – Solotech
- Pascal Rhainds – Solotech
Solotech Team
- Daniel Petit – AV System Designer
- Alexandre Martinet – Technical Project Manager
- Pascal Rhainds – Video Technical Advisor
- Colin Rollinson – CAD Technician
- Alex Matheson – Programmer