Canberra's Museum of Australian Democracy (formerly Old Parliament House) was home to Australia's Federal Parliament from 1927 to 1988. The Old Parliament House is now a nationally listed heritage building.

As part of a major redevelopment, the Museum of Australian Democracy [MoAD] was created to interpret the history of Australian democracy as enacted from Australia's original parliament building. Magian Design Studio was selected to create and install two audio-visual Decision Theatres; one in the heritage Cabinet Room and another for Year 9 and10 Students in a purpose-built space in the Museum's South West wing.

Cabinet In Confidence Decision Theatre

Visitors get a taste of what it was like to be in the shoes of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet Ministers during times over many decades when tough decisions had to be taken. Magian created an experience that respected the history and heritage of the Cabinet Room, while offering visitors a dramatic and immersive multimedia experience.

Using a cruciform array of projection screens and strategically mounted projectors, the Cabinet in Confidence experience has allowed the Museum of Australian Democracy to explain history in a heritage listed space using engaging 21st century technology. Guest services staff from MoAD use iPod Touch control software developed by Magian, to select from three different programs. Staff also manage the operational aspects of the multi-media experience – stop, start and pause of the program videos, warm-up and shutdown of projectors and the management of the retractable screens.

Magian MMaPS database Content Management System [CMS] allows updateability of the program content and supports the content management of the presentation programs.

The Magian DiAC System is used to manage and control multi-channel soundscapes and the complex show-control supporting facilitator control and site management.

Magian's Scope

• project planning
• design for theatre in heritage listed Cabinet Room
• technical infrastructure & integrated system design
• technical and hardware specification
• all software design and development
• system commissioning
• script writing for three video programs
• content design, research and development
• image and footage research and procurement
• editing dual videos for 3 x dual screen programs
• remote post-installation system support

Media program types:

• updateable facilitated theatre programs
• video programs for dual-screen programs
• presentation and automated theatre system
• wireless handheld control system for staff
• audio and soundscape production

Project:

Cabinet in Confidence
Museum of Australian Democracy

Location

Canberra, Australia