In the attention economy, it is more challenging than ever to stand out. Whether hosting a private party, a corporate gala, or an epic public display, you want to create memorable moments.
Planetarium domes pair cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create a unique experience. On the outside, these projection dome venues are eye-catching and intriguing. Inside, you can design any atmosphere you want, ranging from elegant mood lighting to immersive audio-video displays.
These projection dome venues are guaranteed to generate buzz and engage your attendees. Want to learn more about these impressive dome planetariums? We’re going to explain what they are and cover a range of ways they can be used.
Shared Yoga Experience in Planetarium Dome
What Are Planetarium Domes?
When you think of the word planetarium, your mind will likely go to the large theaters you find at museums. However, a planetarium dome is much more accessible and customizable. Planetarium domes, or projection domes, are dome-like structures that serve as immersive theatres for all kinds of media. What’s unique about them is that, instead of watching a regular flat screen, you’re surrounded by the media to make it feel like you’re actively experiencing it rather than passively viewing it.
They are quickly becoming one of the most popular venues for entertainment, education, and engagement. In addition to creating an immersive, awe-inspiring environment, these projection domes also offer flexibility in design and presentation. From elegant lighting and high-definition visuals to motion graphics and 360° sound, you can create the perfect atmosphere for your next event or production. See how you can brighten up your event using these domes.
World's Largest Inflatable Planetarium Dome at Super Bowl Miami 2020
Why Are They Important?
A planetarium projection dome offers numerous benefits for the education and entertainment industries. These large, spherical structures provide an immersive learning and entertainment space that allows audiences to experience the wonders of the universe, imagined worlds, or even our own world, uniquely and engagingly.
Regarding education, these domes offer an interactive and visual platform for teaching complex concepts such as astronomy, physics, and geography. The immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of these subjects and helps to engage students in a way that traditional classroom teaching cannot.
For entertainment, planetarium domes offer a unique and breathtaking experience that transports audiences to new and exciting places. The immersive experience creates a sense of wonder and excitement that can leave a lasting impact on the audience. Overall, these structures have a significant impact on audience engagement and learning, making them a valuable tool for both the education and entertainment industries.
Inside The Immersive Jeep Theater and Virtual Reality Dome by Lumen and Forge
Creating Immersive Experiences With Projection Dome Venues
Projecting 360-degree images can turn any dome into an underwater adventure, an exhilarating ride down a mountain, or a trip through the cosmos. Using a combination of recorded footage and computer graphics to create high-definition video content to transport audiences anywhere imaginable.
While projectors have been around for a long time, their brightness has often been limited. Low brightness means images look faded, lack definition, and are not engaging. State-of-the-art projection systems are powerful enough to display high-quality video across large surfaces.
Immersive Dome at a SXSW
What Sizes Do They Come In?
Sizes can be made to cater to diverse audiences and uses. While there’s no set standard in terms of the different sizes they come in, we’ve done our best to categorize them based on their square footage.
Small: Small dome sizes range from approximately 10 to 20 feet in diameter and are suitable for portable setups or smaller installations in museums, schools, and community centers. Portable planetariums are ideal for one-off events that don’t require a permanent structure. Oftentimes, these planetariums are inflatable, allowing you to easily transport them to a private venue.
Medium: Medium-sized domes typically measure between 20 and 40 feet in diameter and are commonly found in standalone planetariums, tradeshows, and science centers. Unlike inflatable planetarium domes, these domes are usually permanent structures due to their size. Even though they’re not portable, they can accommodate larger audiences.
Large: Large domes, on the other hand, can range from 40 feet to over 98 feet in diameter and are typically found in large-scale planetariums, concert venues, and immersive theater venues. Despite often being the most expensive option to rent or buy, they offer an unparalleled viewing experience and can cater to a very large audience.
Before you decide to rent or buy a planetarium dome, you need to first consider the needs of your project. Think of the content you want to display, how many attendees you expect, and your budget. That way, you can avoid costly mistakes and make sure your attendees are comfortable!
Vibrant Immersive Projection Dome
Types of Projection Dome Structures
The type of dome you choose will depend on the media that you’re planning to display. We’re going to take a quick look at the different types of projection dome structures that exist.
Hemispherical: Hemispherical domes are usually what comes to mind when you think about projection domes. These domes have a semi-spherical shape, making it easier for content to be displayed in comparison to other, more complex dome structures. As the shape is consistent all the way around, it allows for a consistent 360-degree viewing experience no matter where you’re situated inside.
Geodesic Domes: Geodesic domes offer superior strength and stability due to their triangulated frame design. They can be made from various materials, including metal, wood, and bamboo. They are often used for semi-permanent to permanent planetarium installations.
Inflatable Projection Domes: As we mentioned previously, inflatable projection domes are versatile and easy to set up, making them suitable for temporary installations or outdoor events. They can also be packed and transported, making them a popular choice for portable and semi-permanent activations. These domes are made from durable, airtight materials. The inside of an inflatable planetarium is designed to block outside light to provide an optimal viewing experience.
Tilted Domes: Tilted domes are the preferred choice for a seated audience. These are a popular choice in museums, science centers, and other educational settings. A good example of this is the 59-foot projection dome at the Narathiwat Science Center for Education. Despite the limited projection area, it’s a great option if you want to provide an immersive but comfortable experience.
Permanent Domes: Permanent domes are typically made of concrete and steel and offer unparalleled durability and longevity. They are ideal for large-scale projects that must withstand the elements and the test of time. Permanent domes are best suited for installations at museums that will remain for an extended period.
Each type of projection dome structure has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which to use depends on factors such as budget, location, and usage requirements.
Render of an Inflatable Planetarium Dome
Looking Toward The Future
The future is looking brighter than ever before. Advancements in technology have led to the development of high-resolution projection systems that can display stunning visuals and simulations in full-dome environments. These systems are becoming more affordable and accessible, allowing more institutions to invest in planetariums.
In addition to traditional astronomy shows, planetariums are being used for innovative purposes, such as immersive art installations, live concerts, and interactive educational experiences. With the increasing popularity and versatility of these structures, it is clear that these venues will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of entertainment and education.
Featured Event: The Dome Miami
For the 2020 Super Bowl, AG Entertainment hired Lumen and Forge to create something extraordinary – an experimental nightclub inside the world’s large projection dome. The Dome Miami had over 60,000 guests with live music and entertainment at this one-of-a-kind venue. The three-day event featured artists Future, Megan Thee Stallion, and Gucci Mane.
This incredible event posed interesting projection challenges. The base was a 225 x 175-foot rectangle rather than a circle. Content had to be custom-rendered to match the curvature of this unique dome. Our hardware included two powerful servers and twenty-four 18K lumen HD laser projectors.
Immersive Planetarium Dome, The Dome Miami, for Miami Super Bowl 2020
When it comes to creating engaging experiences that stand out from the crowd, planetarium domes have become an increasingly sought-after solution. They provide a unique combination of cutting-edge technology and sleek design that’s capable of delivering stunning visuals with high-fidelity surround sound.
Furthermore, their modular design means they can be adapted for different uses. Whether it is a private party, an immersive audio-visual experience, or a pop-up nightclub, projection domes turn your event into a memorable moment.
Contact us today to learn more about how to turn your big idea into a reality.
FAQ
1. What is a planetarium dome?
A planetarium dome, also known as a projection dome, is a large dome-shaped structure that is used as a projection surface. They can be constructed from a range of materials, including metal, bamboo, and concrete. These domes are often found in planetariums, educational institutions, and science centers, but can also be adapted for more diverse purposes.
2. What's the difference between a planetarium and an observatory?
A planetarium uses a domed ceiling as a projection surface. Media is then projected onto the ceiling as an immersive viewing experience. An observatory, on the other hand, is a facility equipped with telescopes and instruments to view celestial objects directly, typically for scientific purposes.
3. Where can I hire portable domes?
Need a portable dome for your next big event? You can hire mobile domes from us at Lumen and Forge. As a turnkey service provider, we take care of everything you need, including custom content creation, dome construction, technical design, and more.
