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Centre of the Cell is a science centre helping children and young people
learn about biomedical science and research through digital games and
audio visual displays. The centre is located in a pod suspended over the
biggest open plan research laboratories in Europe based in Whitechapel,
London, UK.
D.J.Willrich Ltd. (DJW) - recognised as one of the UK’s leading forces
in the Audio Visual industry -, was
subcontracted by the lead contractor Beck Interior, to provide a
full Medialon integrated system in Centre of the Cell. DJW also worked
closely with the project designer, Land Design Studio.
In Centre of the Cell, visitors are immersed in a full audiovisual
experience throughout 5 different “spaces”, or scenes. Being the main
A/V show and media controller of the installation, Medialon is in charge
of the set up of each of these scenes along with their timings. The
Medialon system remotely controls the power up and down of all the A/V
devices installed in the pod. It also sends devices status reports to
help the staff solve any difficulties they may have. The five scenes
designed in the Centre of the Cell are timeline shows. Thanks to
Medialon Manager Timeline, it allows to easily synchronize the music,
sound and video devices for each of the scenes.
A Pre Show with music and lighting effects welcomes visitors into Centre
of the Cell. Once seated around the edge, the show begins. Using a
Medialon control panel on a wireless touch screen PC, the moderator
starts Scene 1. There, visitors learn about what cells are.
Lighting and music change, video is projected onto 4 two-metre diameter
round screens integrated in the ceiling and 6 speakers play the
accompanying audio. At the end of Scene 1, visitors are warned that the
“Nucleus” - a giant lozenge in the centre of the pod, containing 10
touch table tops and screen interactive games -, will start to open.
In Scene 2, the doors of the “Nucleus” open and the table tops
slide out to reveal games about cells. Visitors can grow cells in a
virtual laboratory or try to win cards by beating their partner’s cells
with their cell qualities. An interactive floor projection game where
visitors stand on quiz answers about the size and number of cells in the
human body has been installed. In addition, there are touch screen games
and information points around the perimeter of the pod surrounded by
lighting effects and all controlled and synchronized by Medialon.
From a simple touch on Medialon control panel interface, the moderator
triggers Scene 3. While the lighting and music changes, visitors
are directed to sit down and the Nucleus doors close. Video is again
projected onto the round screens and audio plays. This Scene shows how
cells can be damaged and presents some biomedical research about cells.
This leads into Scene 4, where visitors take on the roles of
biomedical scientists in the games to try out new research solutions.
Doors open on the Nucleus to reveal different games where visitors can
for instance learn how to grow new skin for burns patients, use
microscopes to diagnose tissue and get feedback on their diagnosis,
etc.
The moderator triggers the final scene, Scene 5, which brings the
visit to an exciting climax with projection into the four circular
screens showing the visitor how they can be part of this research,
either by choosing a relevant career or making decisions in the public
sphere based on their biomedical knowledge.
Thanks to Panel, the free Medialon touch panel design tool, DJW also
created a number of scene variations for VIP visits and special events
which can be easily selected and launched by Centre of the Cell staff.
The Medialon Panel also has facility for changing the timing of Scenes,
which is ideal as the Centre caters for audiences of a wide range of
ages and abilities.
“The main challenge, which was one of the things that drew DJW to this
project, was the need to control independent software applications on 25
computers. Almost every computer needs to run different software at
different times throughout the visit and this was a challenge that we
could meet with Medialon - whilst making changes all the way along”,
declares David Willrich, Director of D.J.Willrich Ltd.
The Medialon Manager V5 Lite software license controls and synchronizes
all the Centre’s A/V equipment including:
- 11x Mitsubishi projectors
- 4x Panasonic projectors
- A Dataton Watchout system
- 2x Broadberry PCs
- 11x rack PCs
- 12x Winmate Panel PCs
- 10x NEC 46” LCD screens
- 1x Bose ESP88 ControlSpace
- 1x DMX replay system; Estreamer
- 9x Visual Planet touch foils
- 2x microscopes with proprietarily and custom build hardware and
software
“As we programmed the Medialon Show Control system, the client realised
how flexible it could be and made an increasing number of demands to
include extra modes and greater control over the system.”, says Nicola
Jagger, Project Manager at D.J.Willrich Ltd. She concludes, “This took
more time but means that the client now has a Show Control system that
they really are happy with!”.
For further information, please visit:
>
www.centreofthecell.org
>
www.beckinteriors.com
>
www.landdesignstudio.co.uk
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D.J. Willrich has received the InAVation Award 2010
for
Center of the Cell as the Best Education project |
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