That was 2024

Extract from the blog: Where technology meets the future
by Katia Kreuzhuber

In 2024, after projects in Mexico (Culiacan), Hungary (Veszprem) and Switzerland (Vitznau), a total of three new Deep Spaces were opened in China (Shanghai and Hangzhou) and Croatia (Zagreb).

These immersive spaces use high-resolution 3D projections and interactive applications to offer unique experiences that combine science, art and technology. Each installation is adapted to local needs – a great strength of this technology.

Deep Space in Shanghai, for example, integrates state-of-the-art 8K projectors to take immersive learning and artistic experiences to a new level. In Hangzhou, the room has even been equipped with theater chairs to create an intimate atmosphere for screenings and performances. In Zagreb, on the other hand, the focus is on science communication,

with applications that bring the universe to life in stunning 3D visualizations. The technology is based on modular 3D projection systems that use laser tracking to enable interactive experiences. In addition, a mobile interface allows moderators to control complex content, making Deep Space flexible for a variety of events.

Our next project takes us to great heights: this year, Ars Electronica is making climate change tangible at the Dachstein Glacier. While the mountain terminal of the Dachstein Glacier Gondola Lift is being renovated, three interactive stations created by Ars Electronica Solutions have been installed. These enable visitors to intuitively experience the central significance of the climate for nature and thus for us humans.

The first eye-catcher is already in the base station with the “Half Dome Globe”: Ars Electronica Solutions presents a representation of the globe that uses atmospheric data,

information about land areas and ocean data- provided by the ESA – to illustrate global phenomena of climate and global warming. In the mountain station at 2,700 meters above sea level, two installations were developed, financed by the state of Upper Austria: An interactive touch screen visualizes data and facts about climate-related changes in the Dachstein region, which come from the APPtauen Dachsteingletscher app (Upper Austrian government) and have been specially expanded for large-scale display on the touch screen. It makes it clear that climate change is not just an abstract concept, but has a real impact where we are.

Finally, visitors can try out the digital telescope in the glacier restaurant: the view of the real mountain landscape is supplemented by a digital layer (overlay) that changes and displays information depending on the movement of the telescope. Visitors get a completely new view of the mountain range,

the imposing 850-meter-high south face of the Dachstein or the melting of the glacier at the Rosmarie Stollen. The view through the “digital telescope” of the ascent on the mountain creates a direct local connection. This makes the drastic disappearance of the eternal ice an impressive experience.

The visualization of climate change, which has now become a kind of “core competence” of Ars Electronica Solutions, is the subject of the exhibition “Climate.Knowledge.Action!” at the Technical Museum in Vienna.

Here, Ars Electronica shows how science can be made accessible to a broad audience. Interactive touchscreens and a three-dimensional elevation model of Vienna enable visitors to explore global climate data and local effects.

The technology is based on high-resolution projections that can be controlled by users via touch interfaces. A particular focus is on satellite data provided in cooperation with the ESA

and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). This interactive combination of Earth observation and local analysis creates an immersive learning experience.

In the face of this year’s challenge, all previous Ars Electronica Solutions projects seem almost like child’s play: How do you project the ocean into a 100-meter-high cylinder?

In the Oberhausen Gasometer, “The Wave” takes visitors on a journey through the oceans. Lifelike 3D animations of the underwater world are shown on a projection measuring over 1,000 square meters.

The installation is based on a combination of high-resolution renderings and an adaptable particle system that interacts in real time. The technology makes it possible to dynamically display currents, schools of fish and other elements,

resulting in a particularly realistic and captivating visual experience. The experience is rounded off by a unique soundscape, developed together with musician Rupert Huber.

The exhibition “Planet Ocean”, with “The Wave” as its central exhibit, is the most successful exhibition ever held at the Oberhausen Gasometer –

in terms of both visitor numbers and audience ratings. Due to its great success, it has been extended until November 30, 2025.

Another project commissioned by Ars Electronica Solutions can be seen in Linz: at the Haus der Wirtschaft of the WKOÖ, Ars Electronica is once again using technology to make the global network of the organization interactively tangible with the “Julius Raab Band”.

A dynamic world map forms the centerpiece of the installation and shows the WKOÖ’s worldwide relationships in real time. This is complemented by additional interactive modules that allow users to explore specific information about networks, trade flows and international projects of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce.

A customized software was used for this purpose, which processes and projects data in real time. A touch interface allows intuitive navigation through the global interrelations. Special algorithms ensure that the visualizations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to understand.

This makes it possible to present the complexity of international relations in a way that appeals to both experts and non-specialists – and, last but not least, visually complements the newly designed premises.