Role: Disguise Media Server Programmer & Operator
Clients: High Res x Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) x Office of Public Works (OPW)
Installed: March – April 2025
Opened: April 2025
Although the Pavilion opened in April 2025, my involvement began in 2023 during the early planning stages. This was my first projection-based project and my first time working at this scale internationally.
The Pavilion consisted of three showcase spaces. The first ellipse explored Irish nature. Second ellipse showcased cultural artefacts such as musical instruments and sculpture. The third functioned as an event space which housed the commissioned projection film alongside panel discussions, daily live music, and seasonal programming. High Res designed and delivered the projection system and lighting integration to support flexible playback across the full Expo run.
We explored using LED as explored but ultimately it was ruled out due to cost and power constraints. A projection solution worked best to satisfy the brief instead. We found the egg-shaped surface of the projection area created blending and warping challenges. I carried out projection studies in Pixera and rebuilt the surface geometry in Blender. I then worked closely with PRG Japan, ByLex, and media server specialist Kjell Rijntjes to bring the system online before and during installation. We also trialled Omnical. Although it did not prove viable for this geometry, it gave me valuable exposure to the workflow.
The commissioned film An Talamh / The Plain by Marianne Keating, edited by Aaron Wheeler, required detailed previs and coordination. Rehearsals took place at the National Concert Hall before travelling to Japan. On site in Osaka, long days, jet lag, and time pressure added further complexity to an already technical setup.
Not every element landed exactly as hoped, particularly in achieving the artist’s ideal presentation of the film. That was difficult for everyone involved. However, the wider system performed successfully across the Pavilion’s programming, including multiple short films, live performances, and seasonal event states. We continued to provide remote support after installation to refine the Disguise timeline and maintain the system throughout the run.
The Pavilion later received a Bronze Award for Theme Development in the smaller self-built pavilion category.
Working on a national Pavilion in Osaka was a once in a lifetime experience. It pushed me technically, accelerated my understanding of projection at scale, and remains one of the most formative projects of my career.
