The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (VAMSC) is located in the popular holiday resort of Virginia Beach, USA. A 25 million dollar renovation of the original 20 year old gallery was opened in May
2009.

The Restless Planet gallery shows how diverse environments from Virginia’s history compare to similar environments still in existence around the world. Recreated habitats include those of a Malaysian Peat Swamp, coastal Sahara Desert, the Red Sea and Indonesia’s Flores Island.

This project demonstrates Magian’s capacity to work with a range of project stakeholders including architects, designers and aquarium staff. Magian worked closely with the project team to design and develop interactive experiences and soundscapes that would complement the exhibitions and immersive environments.

Magian created over a dozen soundscapes throughout the galleries and aquariums. These ambient soundscapes are specifically designed by Magian using randomized audio that is responsive to the level of visitation in the space.

Magian also designed and specified the systems for diver presentations that allow the presenter to communicate with the diver in the tank. This provides an educative experience for the visitor and safety procedure for the diver and presenter.

The interactive programs developed for the Restless Planet include a series of games and activities that are integrated into the aquarium displays and static exhibits. These include video programs for the striking introductory space and immersive closing gallery and a large scale map of Chesapeake Bay that displays four projection programs illustrating elements of the bay’s history and significant watershed.

Touchscreen programs throughout the exhibits allow the visitor to explore complex ideas in a fun and educative manner. These include a series of games to locate Virginia throughout the formation of the world’s surface over millions of years, and illustrating the original context of fossils on display from the Carboniferous and Silurian eras.