EDINBURGH CASTLE
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT / ANIMATION / ILLUSTRATION / VISUAL FX / STORYBOARDING / EDITING / COMPOSITION / SOUND DESIGN / 3D PROJECTION MAPPING / SET DESIGN / GRAPHICS / INSTALLATION
FIGHT FOR THE CASTLE
AY-PE collaborated with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to design and deliver eye-catching audiovisual 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.
The designs catered for a cross-section of the two-million visitors received each year, including existing culture seekers, groups/ families interested in shared exploration, new curious visitors and those where English is not the first language.
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Client: Historic Environment Scotland
Exhibition Design: Qualia
BOLD 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 artist David Rooney to design the initial illustrations, these designs were used across graphic panels and as the basis to the six window niche animations.
THEATRE DESIGN
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.
CEILING SHOW
An atmospheric projection reflecting the six niche animations covers the vaulted ceiling. Visitors are immersed by looming silhouettes and shadows whilst a historical soundscape (designed, mixed and site balanced by AY-PE) 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.
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Image credits:
Splintr (exhibition fabrication)
KSLD (exhibition lighting)
EDINBURGH CASTLE
The exhibition brings the drama to life through animated episodes, immersive projections... telling the dramatic story of Edinburgh Castle in the Wars of Independence.
HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND
An immersive and atmospheric experience.