Electrosonic, a leading international audiovisual and technology services company, has recently completed work on a new “First Light” experience for a scientific UK landmark.
Jodrell Bank Observatory, how to the Grade I listed Lovell Telescope, is owned and managed by the University of Manchester. It is used as an internally-renowned research institute by scientists working at the cutting edge of modern astrophysics.
Electrosonic provided a wide range of services for the project including technology design consulting, build & system integration, technology master planning, AV & control system design, physical network infrastructure design, CAD & BIM modelling & engineering, fabrication, installation & integration, commissioning and programming, media management, system quality control, and project management.
The Jodrell Bank project was recently recognised in the blooloop Innovation Awards, winning Third Place in the Spectacular category.
Telling a story
The First Light exhibition is divided into six “chapters” that tell different parts of the story.
Ways of Seeing explains radio astronomy with interactive exhibits that explain the notion of Chromascope frequencies, as well as a humorous children’s exhibit called See Like a Snake.
The second part depicts Bernard Lovell‘s story using a touchscreen family album, an interactive touchscreen that explains his work in radar, and audio that displays his love of music.
When a child turns a handle on a mechanical exhibit, a projected spark is emitted. The Fairground uses a projected model surrounded by five interactive panels to depict the early days of Jodrell Bank. Interferometry is explained in another interactive.
Adventure back in time
The second half begins with a chapter that outlines the difficulties encountered when constructing the initial telescope. Visitors can use an interactive touchscreen to study the progress of the design, observe a projected reproduction of Lovell’s workstation, or listen to audio that describes construction. Visitors can drive a telescope using touchscreen controls in the Miracle of Sputnik chapter, or investigate the telescope’s work during the Cold War on an interactive log book.
The final segment, Impact of Jodrell Bank, includes a Conversation Table touchscreen exhibit where visitors can select talks about the bank’s impact, as well as a Visitor Quiz that prompts projected visuals when guests provide correct responses. When visitors engage with the interactive exhibitions, images and special effects are projected onto concave’shards’ of the original telescope.
Electrosonic senior consultant Paul Taylor says: “Working on the design stages of the project through to completion with Jodrell Bank, the project team and partners was a great experience, and the end result is a credit to everyone’s hard work and dedication.”
Undertaking a challenge
The most difficult task was to create complicated mapping projections on concave surfaces floating in a domed ceiling. When visitors interact with displays, content is projected onto 13 big parts of the original telescope. At specified periods, the different pieces merge to produce a single, seamless image – the ‘Radio Sky’. Precision positioning of 17 projectors, complicated configuration and integration of video servers, projectors, and interactive exhibitions, exact layering of projected content, and sophisticated control systems were all required.
A team effort project
Throughout the development process, Electrosonic collaborated closely with Casson Mann to design the project’s complicated technical systems. Electrosonic’s engineering team advanced the technical design after generating the winning AV tender in partnership with Realm Projects. The projection mapping solution delivered the creative concept thanks to skilled audiovisual design, 3D modelling, and large-scale mockups. The systems are built to last at least 25 years, and Electrosonic has teams in place to provide support in the future.
Other partners on the project include Realm Projects, Squint/Opera, ISO and DHA.
“The stunning new building, its exciting exhibition and an incredibly diverse and inclusive engagement programme will all have a fantastic impact, delighting and inspiring every visitor,” says Eilish McGuinness, CEO of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Electrosonic adds: “Our ability to collaborate with partners from initial concept to handover ensured continuity and delivered a seamless solution that was achievable, reliable and maintainable. The result is a spectacular, fun, immersive space that is a fitting tribute to Jodrell Bank’s proud heritage.”
Earlier this year, HOLOPLOT, a science-based immersive audio company, announced it was partnering with Electrosonic to expand its immersive experience offering.
