AJC - Who blew up the Guidestones?
When the Atlanta Journal-Constitution set out to bring their investigative podcast “Who Blew Up the Guidestones?” into the physical world, they needed more than visuals. They needed an experience that could keep pace with a story still unfolding.
They came to Elevation with just two weeks to make it real.
AJC by the Numbers
2 Weeks to Produce!!
360° Projection Environment
1 Evolving Investigative Story
10 Cues
10642x1200 Pixels split over 4 projectors
6432×4452 Pixel Floor Projector with Haptic sound plates
Watch the reel and read on to get the scoop on how we brought this event to life.
Reading Between the Lines: The Creative Challenges
This project asked for us to solve three complex problems at once:
An Accelerated Timeline - We began in earnest on March 27. Final delivery for technical install was due April 8. Eight business days to concept, design, animate, and deliver for a fully immersive environment.
An Immersive Canvas - The Illuminarium is not a traditional large-format screen. It is a seamless 360° projection space spanning walls and floor, requiring content that works everywhere, all at once, with no edges to hide behind. Adding to the challenge, the system had recently undergone changes with strict file size constraints. While we brought experience from a previous Illuminarium project, new templates and technical considerations shaped the execution.
A Story Still in Motion - The podcast itself was evolving in real time. New information, script refinements, and editorial decisions continued throughout production. We were designing for a narrative that was not fully locked until the final days.
Design in Focus: Our Approach
We built a system designed for movement, both technically and editorially.
Designing Without Edges - We approached the Illuminarium as an environment, not a frame. Visuals were composed to flow across surfaces, guiding attention to key focal points without losing the full canvas of the experience.
Flexible Story Architecture - As the investigation continued to take shape, we created modular sequences that could adapt as updates came in. Placeholder content wasn’t a limitation. It was a strategy.
Real-Time Collaboration - Close coordination with the AJC creative team allowed us to respond quickly to new developments while maintaining momentum and visual cohesion. Decisions were made quickly, but never casually.
The Execution
In just over a week, Elevation delivered a fully realized immersive visual experience, including:
Cohesive visuals rooted in AJC’s creative direction and tailored to investigative storytelling
Motion designed for 360° spatial continuity
Systems that allowed for last-minute editorial updates
Final deliverables optimized for Illuminarium projection and playback
All assets were delivered on time for installation, testing, and rehearsal.
The Result
On April 13, audiences stepped into the story.
The event transformed a podcast listening experience into a shared, physical environment, surrounding guests with the mystery, tension, and unfolding nature of the investigation.
More than a successful send-off, the project demonstrated what is possible when storytelling, technology, and trust move at the same speed.
When the story is still unfolding, we build design systems that can keep up.
Credits
Client: Atlanta Journal Constitution
Creative Director: Ned Reid
Design Director: Jason Johnson
Production Company: Elevation
Creative Director: Stephen Cocks
Creative Director: David Hendrix
Art Director: Dianne Frisbee
Senior Designer, Animator: Sean Kiley
Senior Producer: Alina Klopach