PROIETTA is a family-run company with thirty years of experience in the field of architectural projections. It was founded in 1993 to meet the need for projecting images in outdoor environments using weather-resistant projectors. Its first intervention involved replacing a neon sign with a projection on a historic building, in compliance with the regulations set by the supervisory authority.
Over the years, thanks to inventiveness, technical capabilities, and the increasing number of projects carried out in Italy and abroad, the company has not only positioned its outdoor projection offerings at the highest achievable levels but has also expanded its range of products, gradually extending it to various areas related to the field of projections.
Today, Proietta offers services ranging from hardware production to the development of digital content. Its team, led by owner Cristiano Pigino, often manages the entire project realization internally, from client relationships to the delivery of the finished product and on-site installation.
Interview with Fulvio Barbetti, Sales & Marketing at PROIETTA.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Fulvio Barbetti: The company is particularly active in creating immersive light shows for various occasions, ranging from Christmas festivities to commercial and advertising events. The projections, spanning from functional to recreational areas, are achieved through the use of a range of systems produced by the company itself: gobo projectors, outdoor beamer cases, support poles, and various accessories. The extensive and specialized hardware production allows Proietta to operate in both the business-to-consumer and business-to-business sectors, with different systems available for sale or rental. Proietta designs scenography and digital content for events and occasions, with peak activity during the Christmas period. The content is entirely developed by our creative department, which creates graphics and animated 3D models. The scripts for video mapping shows, voice-overs, and sound design are entrusted to industry professionals who collaborate with Proietta , both internally and externally.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
F.B: Our line of gobo projectors offers increasingly compact and high-performance models, with particular attention to design. They are available in various colors so that the projectors can always elegantly integrate into different contexts. Currently, we are developing an even smaller projector specialized in signage projection. An important advancement in Proietta’s case production was the introduction of a closed-loop cooling system, allowing the installation of beamers even in extremely hot climates or environments prone to sandstorms. Proietta is also developing technologies suitable for use in the artistic and museum sectors.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
F.B: Proietta produces architectural projectors of gobos and dynamic effects, and protective cases for the outdoor installation of beamers; it also manufactures the gobos themselves, as well as the dynamic effects (engraved on dichroic glass discs and installable inside the projectors). Additionally, Proietta offers architectural RGB LED projectors with chromatic effects, video mapping, water screens, holographic effects (rear projection on semi-transparent screens), and virtual hostesses.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
F.B: The European energy market has experienced recent price increases, which also impact the activities of the company. On the other hand, events and performances have gradually recovered after the lifting of restrictive measures necessitated by the pandemic. This contrasting trend allows the company to operate consistently in the various territories where it is active, thanks to the loyalty built over the years and the high level of professionalism offered.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
F.B: The recent historical events have questioned the predictability of market trends in our industry, and currently, we are still going through a period of readjustment and accommodation. The various factors at play are largely governed by unpredictable dynamics, and growth is linked to the Italian and European macroeconomy.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
F.B: Among the most innovative products of the company are the protective cases for beamers, which now include not only forced-air cooling but also air-conditioned versions.
In the field of creating immersive light shows, for example in squares and historical centers, Proietta specializes in projects that utilize not only video mapping but also a combination of beamers and mechanical projectors. These mechanical projectors allow the projection of standard gobos or mapped gobos, which closely adhere to the profiles of facades. Proietta has particular expertise in gobo mapping, a technique that enables the elimination of light pollution and the intrusiveness of light in private spaces, thanks to precise shielding made possible by mapping. The combination of video mapping and gobo mapping allows to create highly effective shows, creating immersive scenography that directs the viewer’s gaze to the focal point, the facade where video mapping is projected, while also creating a captivating and detailed framework that catches the eye.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
F.B: Despite the end of COVID restrictions, the increase in energy costs has occurred, but the emotional impact of events seems to be progressively diminishing. It is assumed, therefore, that the market can resume its growth; however, it will be necessary to take into account the rising inflation. Regarding Italy, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) is, despite some difficulties, providing more funding to public entities, which opens up possibilities for new installations with limited budgets. Proietta is currently focusing on smaller-scale projects as well, with the introduction of new solutions and products dedicated to indoor projection.
