Step Into The BEAMZ | Immersive Exhibition Experience
Abstract
Step Into The BEAMZ is a multiple-sensory exhibition space centered around 9 songs, each representing a different aspect of cultural life in Zambia, in the format of 9 tunnels. It was accompanied by visual artwork that are projected onto the walls and ceiling of the tunnels, together forming an audio-visual experience that tells a story. The audio and visuals have an extra interactive element in which they react and animate from motion detection when people walk through. The 9 tunnels are then connected by a central space, creating an immersive and impactful experience.
Collaborators
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Zach Tso
Architect / Interior Designer
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Raphael Bahindwa
Visual Artist
Tunnel
The design of the space began with the light tunnels themselves, designed with modularity in mind, these tunnels are infinitely modular and expandable, and can adapt to various exhibition styles and format. Speakers located in the two sides of the roof provides audio to the tunnel, acoustic foam is placed in between to absorb reverberation. Series of modular LCD panels, installed behind sheets of plexiglass. These elements are installed on a lightweight frame made from extruded aluminum channels, and can connect with other modules to make a “tunnel”.
Structure
These tunnels are then all connected to a central dome - the main exhibition space, where visitors are encouraged to roam around and explore different tunnels and experience different stories in the form of songs and visuals. A massive hole in the dome connects the audience to outside of the exhibition space, the overall floor plan forms the shape of a sun, and aims to create a larger, ethereal experience.
The shape of the sun, accompanied with the hole in the dome, is a play on time and space; the life in Zambia is one of challenge, but is also one of beauty; as time passes the dome changes with it, light is introduced into the space and as night comes along, warm colored light drowns the interior, emulating the colors of the sun itself.
Day
Late Afternoon
Sunset
Night
Ultra Wide View
View Towards Roof
Front View of Tunnel
Tunnel Entrance
Tunnel View