Curiosity Hall is a permanent exhibition in the brand new $75m Da Vinci Science Center, which opened in May 2024. Over 2 years, Ideum worked with the Science Center and Roto to conceptualize and develop 3 immersive experiences inspired by Da Vinci’s explorations in art, engineering, and the human body. This exhibit features a 5 story projection environment and 9 networked touch table kiosks, each with a depth camera and controllable light bar. Software was created with Unity and projection mapping done with VIOSO.
Self Portraits is set in an ethereal multi-level art gallery, filled with floating portraits from influential artists. Using the touchscreens, visitors take selfies, choose artistic styles and lighting effects, and launch their portraits into the massive projection environment. A QR code lets folks save a copy of their creation to share later.
Flying Machines features a soaring flight over Allentown, starting at the Da Vinci Science Center and continuing on through Bethlehem and Easton. Visitors use the kiosks to assemble variations of jets, prop planes, airships, and rotorcraft and launch them to the sky above. The propulsion and handling choices they make affect how quickly their flying machine burns through fuel and how much they’re affected by the challenging gusts of wind.
Extremely proud of the past 2 years of collaborative brainstorming, problem solving, and creativity with an incredibly talented group of people. It was an honor to be part of the core team that conceptualized these experiences and one of the lead software developers that brought it to life.
First Look at Da Vinci Science Center’s New Exhibits (ideum.com)
More detailed Technical Description & BTS Development writeup coming soon.
