Edinburgh Castle

A Theatrical Fight for the Castle

Concept Development / Storyboarding / Illustration / Animation / Visual-FX / 3D Projection Mapping / Sound Design / Editing / Installation / Hardware Liaison

ALL CREATED IN-HOUSE

CLIENT

Historic Environment Scotland

DESIGNERS

Qualia

AY-PE collaborated with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to design and deliver eye-catching audio-visual exhibits for Edinburgh Castle’s first permanent exhibition since 2002 – ‘Fight for the Castle’.

The exhibition focuses on the years 1286 to 1356 and includes a highly atmospheric, multi-layered display of illustration, animation, sound, projection and elegant set design – created by AY-PE. Other key exhibition partners were: Rob Jackson (Trebuchet Sound), KSLD (Lighting Design), Mediascape (AV Hardware), Click Netherfield (Display Cases) and Splintr (Fabrication Design & Installation).

Experience 01

Animation

AY-PE developed dramatic yet elegant black and white illustrations and animations – concepts which would fit with the beauty of the Argyle Tower and the powerful history being told. Commissioning David Rooney to design the initial illustrations, these designs were used across graphic panels and as the basis to the six window niche animations. 

Experience 02

3D Theatre

Six window niches were blocked and transformed to show key moments from the 1286 to 1356 timeline. AY-PE designed a setwork of back projected proscenium layers – working as a bespoke theatrical backdrop for the dramatic animations. Each niche story was animated differently through atmospheric shadows and silhouettes.

Experience 03

Immersion

An atmospheric projection reflecting the six niche animations covers the vaulted ceiling. Visitors are immersed by looming silhouettes and shadows whilst a historical soundscape which plays all around. An additional historical animation styled in the shape of a battle shield is projected high onto the walls – continuing the theatre and drama.

Experience 04

AV for all

The exhibition is designed for a multi-lingual audience and incorporates different learning techniques through the AV design. Using sound and light, images and real objects, alongside the captivating animation and emotional resonance of the immersive soundscape – all can feel and understand the ‘Fight for the Castle’. 

Concept film of exhibition AV - not actual footage

"

An immersive & atmospheric experience that will inform & inspire visitors through sound, light & projected imagery

"

- Alex Paterson, CEO HES

OUR SERVICES

WHAT WE DID...

Concept Development / Storyboarding / Illustration / Animation / Visual-FX / 3D Projection Mapping / Sound Design / Editing / Installation / Hardware Liaison