Ryan McDonnell
DXD Support Lead // Gensler
Jan 2021 – Present
I was brought into Gensler to help deliver a better support product for our custom software experiences. I brought my production and technical background to help project teams deliver a more sustainable and stable product, as well as working with legal and business teams to update our agreements and budgeting tools to deliver a better support to our clients.
Systems Engineer // Obscura Digital // San Francisco, CA
Nov 2012 – April 2020
As a Systems Engineer at Obscura digital I designed and implemented network, compute and video signal systems for large scale architectural projection/LED/LCD for both event and permanent projects. My responsibilities also included electrical integration, data center impact studies, metrics gathering/visualization, creating accurate runbooks and handling logistics for international and domestic shipping/importation. I worked closely with software developers to ensure the designed system supports their needs through application design reviews, and support/validate all OSI layers in development and production.
{Key Projects}
Art on theMART – Chicago, IL 2018
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/museums/ct-ent-art-mart-first-look-0907-story.html
http://christieavenue.com/en/issue/13/art-on-themart/
The Chicago Merchandise Mart, now theMART, is an iconic monolith on the Chicago riverfront. Obscura’s permanent projection installation will use 34 thirty-thousand-lumen 4k projectors to distribute over 1,000,000 lumens across theMART’s 92,000 sq ft southern facade.
As the lead Systems Engineer on this project I am responsible for designing playback systems, network architecture, video signal path/flow, application containerization, power management and all hardware. This project also included close integration with theMART’s IT and Construction teams to tie into existing network infrastructure at theMART. I worked closely with other technical teams to ensure a intra-city secure distribution of signal and data flows.
Antarctic Dome – Coachella 2017
https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/coachella-antarctic-dome-sensory-experience-1202393325/
2017 was the first year for the Antarctic Dome and was a smashing success in the eyes of festival goers, media, Obscura team and, most importantly, the client. Over 100k people saw our show over 2 weekends, roughly 50 shows a day from 9am-3am. In our 300 shows, each ended in cheering and applause and we had not one hardware, software or otherwise technical issue.
I was lead Systems Engineer on this project, designing playback systems, network architecture and video signal path/flow. Worked closely with our Technical Production department to implement temporary power infrastructure as well as logistics/shipping and worked with the client to spec and manage generators and HVAC for the dome.
Google Play Connections – Google I/O 2017
Google Play Connections was a collaborative proof of concept with Google Creative Labs London to showcase the data behind music, and to visualize it in an interesting and interactive manner. The Play Connections wall explored links between artists/bands that are not inherently obvious, a data based “six degrees of separation”. The wall used a first-to-market 1.8mm LED wall, with four 84” 4k interactive displays mounted through the wall to give a seamless, floating appearance.
Working with input from Creative Labs London, I developed the overall design of the wall and worked with Obscura’s internal machine shop to implement. I also handled all display technology spec, playback system design and build, network architecture and signal path/flow.
Qasr Al Hosn Festival – Abu Dhabi, UAE 2016
https://www.joshuajohn.net/qsar-al-hosn
https://barrythrew.com/projects/2016-02-04-qasr-al-hosn/
Qasr Al Hosn is a week long yearly festival to celebrate the culture and heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Obscura was tasked with creating and visualizing a narrative that would guide guests through the Historic Qasr Al Hosn Fort and the history of the founding and growth of the UAE.
I worked with software developers, technical production and other systems’ team members to execute a 30 channel projection system covering 3 separate sections of the fort interior, as well as the event entrance, which included a mapped and interactive fountain. I was responsible for designing playback systems, network architecture and video signal path/flow.
{Other Projects}
Permanent installation
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- 2017 – The Spectacle at MGM Cotai
- 2017 – Mall of Egypt Interactive Orb
- 2017 – SalesForce 350 Mission
- 2016 – SalesForce Headquarters Lobby Video Wall
- 2015 – Shantou University Sports Arena
- 2015 – Westfield Illuminique Under the Dome
- 2014 – Tishman Speyer LUMINA
Events:
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- 2018 – Science Fair MSG Sphere
- Radio City Music Hall – New York City
- Copper Box – London
- The Forum – Los Angeles
- Sands – Las Vegas
- 2017 – Unseen Starts at Grand Central Terminal
- 2017 – Century Plaza Hotel Projections
- 2015 – Spotify at Cannes Lions
- 2015 – Nature Bridge
- 2018 – Science Fair MSG Sphere