Lyon Square

HISTORY TO HIGH TECH; LIVESPACE INTEGRATION’S RECENT TRANSFORMATION OF LYON SQUARE

Tucked between DeVos Place and the Amway Hotel, Lyon Square is an important hub in downtown Grand Rapids that receives an abundance of foot traffic from both tourists and locals. While Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) has long used the plaza for events and public gatherings, the organization recently partnered with LiveSpace to build on a temporary projection mapping installation created back in 2021. This time, however, the goal was to make projection mapping a permanent audio visual experience in Lyon Square. 

VIDEO SCOPE

The “canvas” in which the content is projected onto is the entire width of the Civic Auditorium. The projection needed to stretch across a large, dynamic facade, which includes complex shapes such as pillars, doors, windows, and engravings. In order to match the complex shape of the building, LiveSpace turned to one of their most trusted brands: Disguise, a visual experience company.

Using a 3D printed miniature model of the Civic Auditorium along with the Disguise software, the LiveSpace team was able to accurately create a template for the projection mapping. This allowed the team to blend two Digital Projection Titan WU 47000 projectors into a single detailed image encompassing every feature of the architecture. With a combined resolution of 3820x1200px, the final image measures 50’ tall and around 180’ wide, totaling almost 9,000 sq ft. of projection mapping.

In order to withstand Grand Rapids’ temperatures, ranging from scorching summer heat to bitter, subzero winters, the team relied on two enclosures from the Screen Solutions’ Defender Series. Sitting at optimal projection locations, these two thermally controlled environments ensure the projectors are operating reliably in extreme weather conditions.

AUDIO SCOPE

To accomplish this, LiveSpace designed and installed a permanent projection and audio system, transforming limestone into a versatile canvas that can support art and community events year-round.

Another key feature of this installation is the performance audio system, which enhances the breathtaking visuals with a dynamic musical experience. Custom Mod Truss brackets were utilized to ensure the speakers didn’t interfere with the historic structure of the building. Sitting on these brackets on the roof of DeVos Place are three Eastern Acoustic Works QX594i speakers.  As part of the QX series line, these fixtures provide powerful and precise audio coverage for the viewers down below.

Back down on the ground, four SB218subwoofers provide depth and punch while four MKD826 near-field enclosures complete audio coverage of the viewing space. Driving the system, Powersoft products provide all of the signal processing and amplification. Together, these audio features create an immersive soundscape within Lyon Square that complements the beauty of the projected artwork.

As pedestrians walk though Lyon Square pathways, they also experience audio from QSC AD series speakers which are discreetly installed throughout the landscape. A Q-SYS control system with a custom user interface keeps the entire show running on schedule and allows for precise control and remote service.

The permanent projection mapping made its debut on January 9, 2026 when World of Winter began. This annual 8-week festival includes art installations, live music / DJ performances, and is now complete with a projection mapping show. The first content to be displayed with the new system was the Seasonal Wonders projection show. This was a 20 minute video animation designed by DropDrop, a Grand-Rapids based production and animation group. Adding to the animation, the music was written and recorded by LiveSpace’s own Andy Ferris (Project Developer & Integration Support).

While the World of Winter 2026 launch was successful, LiveSpace is working with new artists for the next projection mapping event, which is currently scheduled to be World of Winter 2027. In the meantime, LiveSpace is always looking for creative ways to utilize any space. Whether it’s a historic theatre, an eat-ertainment facility, or a performance venue, LiveSpace would love to partner with you on your next project!

Lastly, follow DGRI for more updates and details about what’s happening at Lyon Square, as well as submission opportunities for new projection mapping animations / artwork!

All the drone photos above were taken by Shafi Subhan.

All the photos of Seasonal Wonders are from DGRI.