2016 Wrocław
Designed by Hans Poelzig and built in 1912–1913, the Four Domes Pavilion is a part of the exhibition space surrounding the Centennial Hall in Wroclaw (Poland). In 2006 it entered theUNESCO World Heritage List, and in 2009 it became a branch of the National Museum in Wrocław. Modernised in mid-2016, the Pavilion is to constitute a modern exhibition space – with the use of innovative multimedia techniques, as well asd information and communication tools being its characteristic feature. A+V hasbeen involved in the museum’s reconstruction, by providing AV equipment for two rooms in the entrance part of the building.
The main challenge we faced was to achieve integration of the AV with existing systems and to adapt the design to the client’s requirements and layout of the rooms. We were asked to design and implement multimedia content referring to the nature of the future contemporary art exhibition. This required several changes in the design project, as well as applying an unusual technology and an extraordinary approach to multimedia content production.
In the first room we created two vertical monitor walls, each consisting of five 55” display screens. The multimedia displayed on both walls are extracted by means of video players from a central CMS server that we have programmed. The devices connect to the server via LAN and download dedicated content. The multimedia are displayed in high quality and high resolution, providing visitors with a comfortable viewing experience. Two versions of the presentation have been prepared – one in Polish and the other in English and German at the same time. Each video wall will display a different language version of the multimedia. The sound system consists of sets including an amplifier and two speakers each. The system has been equipped with back-up video players to ensure reliable operation.
In the second room, we have installed eight monitor stands on the room pillars. The vertically-mounted 55” monitors have been equipped with a protective glass and a touch foil that can support up to 10 simultanous touches . Each of the stands is operated through a dedicated application. Similarly to the monitor walls, multimedia are extracted from the server via LAN through a built-in video player.
Creating an interactive game for eight stands was an interesting challenge. The “Maze” game takes users on a journey into the virtual world of contemporary art. They complete different tasks “en route” and gain knowledge by competing with others. Built in the three-dimensional space convention, the maze is a place where the figures controlled by individual players follow the same paths of the maze of knowledge and can see each other’s progress. The scenario of the game is divided into stages. At each stage players can learn what contemporary art is, but can also express their artistic side by creating collages and publishing them in the arts gallery. The game was developed in the Unity 3D technology, and thanks to network communication mechanisms, it is a multi-player game in which up to eight persons can compete at the same time.
Wiring and AV devices in both rooms have been hidden in powder-coated steel casings designed to blend with the room style. Each display screen has been equipped with an additional safety glass.
We have also made it possible for Users to turn the devices in the system on and off, and to schedule devices in the system remotely – a functionality that was missing in the original version of the design prepared for tender purposes.
During the implementation of even seemingly straightforward systems, one can still experience major unforeseen problems. This was also the case with the Four Domes Pavilion, but we managed to solve all the challenges as they emerged, and, thanks to our experience and good project management, we finished our work on time. We hope that the system we have implemented will serve the visitors of the National Museum for years to come, introducing them to exhibition themes and providing them with some entertainment while they wait for their museum tour to commence.