Illuminaughty, a dynamic world of evolving themes and immersive experiences, hosted its latest event, Solace, on the 5th of October 2024 at HERE, Outernet, London. We at Visual Architects, sister company to Illuminaughty, had the honour of transforming the venue into a desert-inspired dreamscape reminiscent of the Dune universe. Our goal was to move from last year’s space-themed concept to a more earthy, desert aesthetic, creating an unforgettable and immersive psytrance experience.
A Journey of Rebirth: The Concept Behind Solace
After a massive warehouse fire earlier in 2024, Visual Architects faced a significant setback. However, the Solace event marked a new beginning—an ode to creating beauty from chaos. The theme of rebirth was embodied in every aspect of the event, from the intricate digital designs to the carefully constructed stage elements.
Digital Creation:
Crafting the Vision The first step was to digitally design the centrepiece: a towering sculpture of a praying woman, symbolising gratitude and hope. Our talented graphic designers meticulously created a 2D render, which served as the blueprint for the entire setup. Despite the challenges earlier in the year, our team used state-of-the-art technology to bring this vision to life. The sculpture represented resilience, and the digital design combined creativity, technology, and storytelling to set the tone for the entire event.
Construction:
From Concept to Reality, all elements were crafted in-house at Visual Architects' Manchester warehouse. We utilised our advanced 7-axis robot and CNC machine to carve the components of the sculpture. Once the pieces were cut, our team of artisans worked meticulously to sand, smooth, and prepare each segment for hard coating and painting. The choice of a grey base colour was deliberate, as it would best accommodate the stunning projection mapping planned for the event.
The biggest challenge was balancing our ongoing client projects with the demands of the Solace setup. Our team worked overtime, often on night shifts, to ensure both our clients’ needs and the event's requirements were met without compromising on quality.
Setup and Installation: Bringing the Vision to Life On the 5th of October, our team travelled to London, arriving a day before the event. Setup began early in the morning, transforming the venue into an otherworldly oasis by 8 PM. The centrepiece sculpture, now standing proudly on stage, was complemented by an intricate canopy with hanging elements, creating a surreal, immersive atmosphere. Performers added to the visual spectacle, making the event an experience that would transport attendees to another dimension. The night concluded with a dramatic confetti shower and CO2 cannons, ensuring a memorable finale.
Execution: A Night to Remember The event was brought to life through sophisticated projection mapping and lighting, which turned the stage into a dynamic visual masterpiece. As the DJ sets progressed, the colours and visuals on the centrepiece sculpture transformed, creating an ever-evolving backdrop that captivated the audience. The event, running from 8 PM to 4 AM, was a sold-out success, with attendees praising the unique setup and the immersive environment that made them feel like they were on another planet.
Unique Aspects & Highlights This project was particularly significant for Visual Architects. After a challenging year, being able to execute such a grand event was a testament to our team’s resilience and dedication. The Solace sculpture was our most ambitious production to date, exceeding the scale of previous projects and setting a new standard for what we can achieve. It also set the stage for even bigger plans in our next event, scheduled for March.
Client Collaboration: A Unified Vision Being sister companies, Visual Architects and Illuminaughty worked closely throughout the project. This collaboration ensured that every aspect of the event aligned perfectly with the intended theme, resulting in a sold-out show that exceeded all expectations.
Looking Forward The success of Solace has set the tone for future events, and we are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of immersive event design. Whether you're planning a large-scale festival or an intimate gathering, Visual Architects is here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to explore our portfolio and learn how we can make your next event unforgettable.
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