We want to know, experiment, inspire. For 20 years, phaeno in Wolfsburg has been a place where science and technology can be experienced firsthand - without prior knowledge, accessible to all, and across generations.
Just in time for its 20th anniversary, phaeno is revamping its interactive “Boundaries” installation. The new implementation by vertigo systems impressively demonstrates the possibilities of “living surface” technology. A single powerful laser projector creates a bright, walk-on projection measuring 6.4 m x 4 m on the existing museum floor. An extra-long-range IR camera sensor system registers every movement on the surface from a height of 6 m. The “living surface” software, which has been enhanced for this specific purpose, generates the boundary line image with virtually no delay, depending on the position of the visitors. The spatial experience in Zaha Hadid's fascinating architecture, the encounters between visitors, and the projection merge into a seamless analog-digital experience space.
The redesign of phaeno, which will be unveiled in December 2025, comprises a total of 12 restructured themed areas, 200 revised exhibits, and 50 new exhibits, including eight iconic large-scale exhibits.
Active Boundaries
“active boundaries” is a large interactive exhibit. When more than one person stands on the reflective floor of the exhibit, moving lines become visible between the participants. The lines mark the space for one person: all points in “my” space are closer to me than to the others. The boundaries between people cannot be crossed—the space always moves with them. But they can be overcome by reaching out and touching hands. The camera “sees” the people on the floor and calculates the corresponding spaces from their shadows.
When two people touch, they are seen as one person and are assigned a shared space.
Contact
Science Center phaeno Willy-Brandt-Platz 1 38440 Wolfsburg Tel.: 05361 890100
Email: entdecke@phaeno.de Web: www.phaeno.de
vertigo systems GmbH, www.vertigo-systems.de
vertigo-systems.de