Hilton Columbus
Reception Desk River Installation
When Hilton developed their new Columbus tower in 2022, connected to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, they envisioned more than just striking architecture and refined interiors. In the heart of the reception area, they commissioned a large copper wall installation designed to depict the Columbus, Ohio river system and notable local landmarks. This sculptural piece was crafted as a permanent work of art, rich in texture and geographic detail. But Hilton wanted to take it further by adding a digital layer that would bring the rivers to life.
That’s where Pacemour Creative came in.
Hilton invited our team to help transform the copper artwork into an animated experience that would greet guests as they checked in. Because the hotel was still in the construction phase, we were able to collaborate directly with their architects and contractors. This early involvement allowed us to design a projection mapping system that fit the space with precision.
We engineered a seven-projector array, carefully blended to cover the entire copper wall above the reception desk. Each projector was positioned to match the dimensions and curves of the wall without distorting the artwork or spilling light where it wasn’t needed. The result was a seamless visual experience, perfectly integrated with the space.
Beyond the technical setup, we also developed a control system that made it easy to manage and update the content remotely. This allows our team to refresh the animations for different seasons or special events, without requiring technical staff on site.
The custom video content was designed specifically to highlight the contours of the copper riverscape. We created original animations that followed the natural flow of the river system, enhancing the artwork rather than overpowering it. The light moves gently across the metal surface, tracing each bend and curve. The effect is subtle but captivating, offering a sense of motion and calm that welcomes guests the moment they step inside.
This installation has since become a defining feature of the Hilton Columbus Tower. It is not just a digital display, but a living part of the hotel’s identity. Guests often pause to watch the rivers flow, and many comment on the surprising elegance of the animation.
Rooftop Elevator Bay Installation
Pacemour also created a second projection installation in the elevator bay on the 28th floor, welcoming guests as they arrive at Stories—Hilton’s rooftop cocktail bar with panoramic views of the city. This smaller but impactful moment features original video art by Pacemour’s art director, Donnie Mossman, designed to set the tone for the elevated atmosphere that awaits inside.
To suit the tight footprint of the space and ensure guests don’t cast shadows as they enter or exit the elevator, the projection is powered by an ultra-short-throw projector. The visual content blends abstract movement and colorful scenes with animations that play with the geometry of the room to create false depth, creating a quiet transition between the vertical journey and the rooftop experience. It’s a refined, unexpected detail that creates a memorable wow moment at the top floor.
