P&P Projects, a provider of turnkey design-build services for themed entertainment & leisure experiences, has worked with Framestore, a visual effects specialist, on the Science Museum’s latest exhibition, Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination. The new installation at the popular London museum includes interactive displays and authentic objects, exploring the relationship between scientists and the science fiction genre.
Guests are transported to a research spaceship, where they are guided by an AI through interactive media, immersive show sets and interesting displays.
Science meets sci-fi
As a specialist in the design and production of immersive experiences for the leisure industry, P&P Projects worked closely with the Framestore Immersive team in the translation of a creative concept into a fully-fledged design for all facets of the exhibition.
“Moving from 3D design into schematic, detailed and technical design, we brought together all creative and technical factors into a working design that was ready to be taken into production,” says Roy Schurkens, project manager at P&P Projects. “Our teams joined hands as we materialized the story into a physical environment, after which we consulted with the teams on-site during construction of the experience.”
Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination takes a closer look at how science fiction and scientists have influenced each other, throughout history and into the present day. Science fiction creators have long drawn on the innovations created by scientists, while scientists have also taken inspiration from the imaginative worlds seen in science fiction.
This interplay between imagination, innovation and creativity takes centre stage at the new exhibition.
Educational and entertaining
“As experts in storytelling on both the digital and physical front, the P&P Projects and Framestore teams formed a great combination to bring this ‘experience’ aspect to the exhibition,” says Schurkens. “Having the educational and entertaining value interact in such a seamless way creates an inviting home for the interesting objects and items that are on display.”
During the design stage, the team decided on a modular approach as Schurkens explains:
“Firstly, we had to develop ways to accommodate the museum’s objects and exhibits inside the narrative. As the exhibition will be touring the world for the coming five years, we then had to work out this overarching story into a thematic fit-out that is mobile and adaptable – all the while retaining its immersive quality.
“Our team is proud of the work we have done in partnership with Framestore, the Science Museum and all the other parties involved. We are excited for the UK and international public to visit this world we designed and to discover what it has in store.”
Creating memorable experiences
This project showcases the firm’s ability to take leisure attractions to the next level, creating an actual ‘experience’ in the most literal sense of the word. In a world where guests want to share quality time together and live through their activities, P&P Projects specialises in the design and build of immersive experiences for the themed entertainment industry.
Rick Spring in ‘t veld, business developer at P&P Projects, says: “This collaboration has shown our company’s ability to design captivating experiences as a creative partner, in an industry where thematic standards are ever-rising.”
Fusion LX worked on lighting specification, lighting procurement and installation, and lighting focusing for this exhibition as well as full electrical installation. AY-PE worked on the CGI Earth and 3D modelling for the project too.
P&P Projects was established in 1989 and, from its state-of-the-art production facilities in the Netherlands, the firm offers a wide range of capabilities from concept development and design, to complete production and installation.
