The challenge
To mark the conclusion of its 125th anniversary celebrations, the University of Birmingham
commissioned Holosphere to create a large-scale projection-mapped light show on the iconic
Aston Webb Building.
The brief was to celebrate the University’s history while reflecting the scale and impact of its contemporary research — all within a three-month window from concept to delivery.
The response
Rather than treating the building as a static projection surface, we began with drone-based 3D scanning to create a high-fidelity digital twin of the Aston Webb Building. This allowed the entire show to be developed and reviewed virtually in advance (“previz”), and enabled a more architectural form of storytelling — revealing interior spaces such as the Great Hall and its stained glass as part of the on-screen narrative.
We also scanned a number of other spaces across the campus, including the Elgar Concert Hall, BiFOR and laboratories in the CTL building. The models were always intended to outlive the show. From the start, we planned with the University to extend the scans into teaching, public engagement and wider communications.
Working closely with creative director and motion graphics artist Matt Clugston, we captured new material and integrated archive footage and images from across the University. Academic departments contributed content directly, and University of Birmingham composer David Birnie wrote a bespoke score. Birmingham-based PSP and UoB’s in-house tech team handled projection engineering, lighting, sound and installation.
The result
The final 13-minute show premiered on December 3rd, transforming the Aston Webb Building into a living canvas.
Feedback from the University and the audience has been overwhelming — and the value of the work doesn’t end with the event itself. Throughout 2026 we’ll be working with the University to put those 3D scans to work, across marketing, teaching and research.