The Antarctic Dome
at Coachella
The Antarctic Dome at Coachella was a captivating audiovisual feast that mesmerizes the senses, blending stunning visuals with immersive soundscapes for a truly unforgettable experience. Inside this case study, we will be covering the techniques used for dome projection mapping.
The Process
We will attempt the technical solution based on experience and simulations.
The following diagram outlines the process required to complete this project.
Content Creation
Content Creation, involves identifying the target audience, defining a clear value proposition, and developing a storyboard based on concept art to guide the visual narrative. It often requires powerful graphic workstations for original 3D content creation, ensuring high-quality visuals and seamless execution.
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The content displayed inside the dome is produced in 5K spherical video, ensuring high-definition visuals for attendees.
Commonly Used 3D Software for Dome Projection
The following 3D software tools support creating dome projection CG content:
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Blender (Free and open-source)
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Autodesk Maya
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Autodesk 3ds Max
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Cinema 4D
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Houdini
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Unity (Real-time engine)
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Unreal Engine (Real-time engine)
Hardware
​The projector system involves 15 projectors with equidistant fisheye lenses
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Brightness & Resolution:
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30,000-lumen projectors support high-resolution (4K+) visuals and seamless large-area coverage, essential for immersive experiences.
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Fisheye Lenses:
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Enable near-180° wide-angle coverage, ensuring uniform clarity across dome surfaces while minimizing distortion.
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Installation Design:
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Projectors are embedded between the screen and walls, mounted above audience level to avoid interference and enhance immersion.
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Immersive Focus:
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Hidden equipment ensures distraction-free visuals, synchronized with dome acoustics for a multi-sensory experience.
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Set
Geodesic Dome:
Diameter 35m (115ft)
Standing Capacity up to 1182 people
Negative Pressure Inner Liner - It consists of an exterior cover and an internal liner, allowing for perfectly uniform surface characteristics
System
8 Servers are involved in the project and are in charge of operating projector system and synchronization software to ensure seamless projection across its large curved surface. Each server handles a portion of the visual content, managing complex image warping and blending at the overlapping edges between projectors. The servers work together to synchronize playback, ensuring perfectly aligned visuals without distortion or gaps for a fully immersive experience.​
Budget
The following prices are in USD and do not include the costs of support structures, pipes, or software rentals. They can be used as a general reference for event planning.
