We’ve seen architectural projection mapping, arguably 2010’s hottest visual tech trend, go through numerous permutations ranging from theater performances to dance performances to altering the structural facade of a traditional French village. It’s emerged as the favorite visual component used to enhance countless music festivals, urban installations and advertising campaigns. These site-specific video projections are both dynamic and transformative, speaking to the appropriation of public spaces for art and the social dialogue technology can foster between new and old mediums.

Here’s a roundup of pieces from the past few weeks which caught our eye. They are a true testament to this emerging form’s ongoing evolution.

“Four Elements” a Projection Mapping by Project-On @ Dalmine – June 19, 2011
Italian visual artists Project-On transformed this historic factory in Dalmine (just north of Milan) into a stunning visual lights theater piece, featuring a playful narrative focused on nature’s four elements, all subtly linked through the story to Italian history and industrialization.

8 Bit Invader by Pavel Novak
Mapped in front of his school, the Department of Visual Art in Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic, Pavel Novak projected an interactive tribute to 8-bit video games, featuring cameos from Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Super Mario Brothers & Tetris.

Amon Tobin – ‘ISAM’ Live @ Mutek Premiere
Brazilian artist Amon Tobin unveiled his new projection mapping concert display at Montreal’s Mutek Festival. A stage setup of blocky white cubes is transformed into a multi-dimensional canvas, oscillating between grid visuals & heavenly stars, all synchronized to Tobin’s glitched-out breakbeat music.