The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is located on a rich estuarine habitat in the holiday resort of Virginia Beach.

The Aquarium's Restless Planet exhibition interprets diverse natural habitats through the lens of geological time and compares a number of Virginian habitats with others around the world. Recreated habitats include a Malaysian Peat Swamp, coastal Sahara Desert, the Red Sea and Indonesia's Flores Island.

Magian worked with the project team to design and develop interactive experiences and soundscapes to support these immersive environments. Over a dozen ambient soundscapes were specifically designed and produced by Magian using randomized and dynamic software to deliver naturalistic soundscapes with volume levels that respond to visitor numbers.

A diver and educator presentation system was also designed, specified and produced by Magian. The system allows educators to communicate with divers and offers an enhanced educational experience for visitors as well as safety procedures for the divers.

A number of digital interactive games and activities integrated into the Restless Planet exhibits were produced by Magian. These include video programs for the striking introductory space and immersive closing gallery as well as a large scale projected map of Chesapeake Bay which allows visitors to select from a menu of four different videos. This program animates the significant watershed of Chesapeake Bay and its importance to the region. A number of fossils from the Silurian and Carboniferous eras are supported by interactive games based on the region now called Virginia.

The Magian DiAC System is used to manage and control the dynamic randomised soundscapes in response to visitor patterns and numbers.

Magian's Scope

• project planning
• media concept design
• media creative design
• video research and production
• interface design and production
• content design, research and development
• technical infrastructure & integrated system design
• technical and hardware specification
• software design and development
• system commissioning
• remote post-installation system support

Media Program Types

• digital assets content management system
• all audio and soundscape production
• interactive touch screen programs
• video program for projection onto a map
• digital projector program mimicking the Earth
• scuba diver to educator talkback audio system

Project:

Restless Planet
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

Location

Virginia, USA