In 2009, the inspiring possibilities of the CAVE technology were the starting point for a new, visionary concept to expand and optimize VR technology for a broad public in the Ars Electronica Center and its constantly growing number of visitors.
With the opening of the new Museum of the Future on January 2, 2009, the Ars Electronica Center – expanded to 6500 square meters – features the huge Virtual Environment “Deep Space” which, like the CAVE before it, became a crowd puller.
Deep Space Foto: rubra
Deep Space Foto: rubra
Deep Space Foto: rubra
Deep Space Foto: rubra
Deep Space is a large-format projection space for interactive, stereoscopic and high-definition content. The architectural concept and system design of Deep Space are meant to go overcome the limitations of previously used VR systems, above all in the context of multi-user interactive storytelling. 16×9-meter wall and floor projections and an initial 4-fold full HD resolution make Deep Space a spacious vehicle in which to travel through space and time. In Deep Space, groups of up to 90 persons can experience simultaneously a broad spectrum of visuals: artistic productions on the basis of various different imaging techniques, interactive narratives featuring new approaches to interaction, and art historical, architectural and astronomical visualizations.
In its conception and implementation, Deep Space has to be seen as the upshot of prior developments at the Ars Electronica Futurelab in the area of projection-based virtual reality infrastructure and human-computer interaction. In this spirit, Deep Space serves as both an exhibition space for members of the public touring the AEC as well as an R&D platform for the Futurelab staff.
Deep Space 8K: An all-out upgrade of the venue’s technical infrastructure of the Deep Space in August 2015 – by replacing the previous HD projectors with all new 4K models – now enables audiences to enjoy projections at up to 8K resolution and thus worlds of imagery at a never-before-achieved level of quality. Its huge wall and floor VR projection, laser tracking and 3D animations make the Deep Space 8K something very special indeed. Here, image worlds are projected in 8K resolution and raised to a completely new, unprecedented level. A visit to the Deep Space 8K is unique, mesmerizing, impressive and overwhelming!
Blog articles about Deep Space 8K: https://ars.electronica.art/aeblog/en/tag/deep-space-8k/
Programm of Deep Space 8K at AEC: https://ars.electronica.art/center/en/exhibitions/deepspace
Photos of Deep Space 8K: https://www.flickr.com/photos/arselectronica/albums/72157671978821105/
Credits
Idea & Concept: Gerfried Stocker, Horst Hörtner, Christopher Lindinger, Daniela Kuka.
Project-management: Daniela Kuka.
Development: Oliver Elias, Ronald Martins, Andreas Pramböck, Otto Naderer, Florian Krebs, Thomas Kollmann, Karl Schmidinger, Michael Badics, Wolfgang Ziegler, Christian Reisenberger, Nicolas Naveau, PV Planung und Veranstaltungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG.