Arcadia Earth, an environmental art exhibit in New York City, is introducing holographic orb guides using HoloLens, Microsoft’s augmented reality (AR) smart glasses.
The new HoloLens tour in New York was produced in partnership with Enklu, a team of spatial creators that develops holographic experiences for the real world.
After putting on the smart glasses, visitors are welcomed by a holographic orb that serves as their guide throughout the experience. HoloLens also enhances the Arcadia Earth exhibit, unlocking hidden gems and environmental facts.
In the first room, visitors learn about coral reefs. They can collect the holographic gems, with each gem offering a new fact. For example, guests discover that 70 percent of coral reefs are threatened by bleaching as they watch a holographic coral turn white.
Unlock hidden gems and environmental facts
Founded and designed by experiential artist Valentino Vettori, Arcadia Earth first opened in New York City in 2019 before launching in Las Vegas last year. Both venues highlight global challenges such as biodiversity loss and deforestation, and feature immersive worlds and art installations.
In Las Vegas, one room feels like it’s breathing, representing the planet’s lungs. Another exhibit is made from reclaimed fishing nets. The NYC attraction features a cave made from 44,000 discarded plastic bags, and a room made from the pages of abandoned library books.
As part of Arcadia Earth’s mission to be carbon neutral, proceeds from ticket sales will go towards planting mangrove trees, which remove carbon from the atmosphere to store in their roots and branches.
“We need to do as much as we can,” Vettori told blooloop. “It doesn’t matter how we feel. It doesn’t matter if people say we don’t have a chance; we just have to try.”
Images: Arcadia Earth
