Immersive technologies in Science Centre Singapore

E-mmersive Experiential Environments (E3) is as much about conceptualizing mankind’s digital future as it is about exploring what’s currently possible in reality. ‘It can often feel like new technologies are beyond our control,’ says NorthernLight cofounder Peter Slavenburg. ‘E3 puts visitors back in the driver’s seat. Instead of saying, “look at this amazing technology” or “see how fast chips are becoming”, we offer people a chance to tinker around with the opportunities such advancements give us. E3 is basically a huge digital playground.’

Through interacting with various immersive technologies, exhibition-goers can take a simulated flight over cities like New York; mess with their sense of space through projection mapping; and explore the intricacies of the human brain with Oculus Rift, a VR headset with custom optics. ‘Although VR will play a key role in our digital future,’ says Slavenburg, ‘placing a lot of VR glasses around the place would be very antisocial and not so interesting.’ By making the entire room a virtual-reality playspace, we geared E3 towards the communal experience; the audience can transform the room together. The use of certain gestures sends things spinning around the room, while touching a table or a sculptural object sets something in motion. Eventually, in one corner, visitors can interact with the latest headsets. Produced by local contractors, the E3 exhibition serves as a test bed for new forms of engagement.