Nagpur: The towering artificial banyan tree taking shape at Futala Lake is set to become Nagpur’s newest night-time landmark, serving as the centrepiece of the revived musical fountain.Speaking exclusively to TOI, Emmy Award-winning cinematographer and technical director of the Futala Musical Fountain project, Alphonse Roy, said the tree has been conceived as the visual heart of the attraction rather than merely a stage prop.“Everything revolves around the tree. It is the central projection surface as well as the visual identity of the project,” Roy said.Unlike conventional projection surfaces, the tree’s complex geometry has required months of planning before animation work could begin. Standing 15 metres high and 30 metres long, the structure, with its intricate network of branches, will undergo a detailed LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scan before being covered with specially designed projection fabric.The LiDAR survey is being carried out by a Nagpur-based geospatial team. Once the front section facing the viewing gallery is covered, the structure will undergo a second scan.“We first scan the exact contours of the structure. Based on those measurements, the visual content is generated so that every animation matches the geometry of the tree perfectly,” Roy said.Project officials are targeting Aug 20 to complete installation of the front projection fabric, after which work will begin on the rear section before the second round of scanning.According to Roy, the projection fabric has been engineered to achieve an optimum balance of 76% reflectance and 24% translucence. The high reflectance ensures bright, sharp projection mapping, while the controlled translucence allows integrated LED and ROBE lighting concealed inside the tree to glow after the shows conclude.Lighting is also being customised for the project. High-performance ROBE fixtures and LEDs will be installed only after part of the projection fabric is in place, allowing engineers to determine the precise position of each light.“We cannot place the lights blindly. They have to be positioned to achieve the best possible illumination while ensuring they are not obstructed by poles or other fountain equipment. The objective is to eliminate shadows and create a seamless visual effect,” Roy said.The team is continuing to test different colour temperatures, brightness levels and lighting combinations to create the desired ambience.“The idea is not just to illuminate the tree but to create a unique night-time character. Every effect has to complement the projections, the water and the overall atmosphere,” he said.Even after the fountain shows end each evening, the tree will remain illuminated through its integrated LED system, giving Futala a permanent visual signature. Owing to its scale, the illuminated structure is expected to be visible from aircraft approaching or departing Nagpur.“We want the tree to become something people instantly associate with Nagpur. It should remain a landmark even when the show is over,” Roy said.With structural work progressing steadily and digital mapping scheduled later this month, the artificial banyan tree is steadily transforming into what its creators hope will become the defining visual icon of the revamped Futala lakefront.
