Media Artist Nate Pagel created an immersive rainforest experience using both high definition (HD) video shot in several stunning locations and natural soundscapes by internationally-known sound sculptor and designer, Bernie Krause. Evocative of both place and the cycles of day and night, this engaging collaboration consists of Pagel’s abstracted, artistic vision of a variety of Costa Rica’s lush rainforests enhanced by Krause’s compelling surround soundscapes of the same habitats. The dome experience itself was in view at the Festival Pavilion Hall at Fort Mason in San Francisco during the United Nations Environment Programme’s “World Environment Day 2005,” June 1-5, 2005.

In addition to being an engaging, rewarding and entertaining experience, this work brings attention to issues surrounding:

* sustainable development,
* minimizing developmental impact on fragile and important ecosystems,
* Costa Rica’s successes with environmental policy and it’s National Parks system, and
* protection of endangered plant and animal species.

The Physical Manifestation
The Surround Projection Dome is a complete surround theater system with video and sound. The dome and system are made by Obscura Digital, a San Francisco based events, production and fabrication company.

The dome interior is covered with a screen material, which is the projection surface for seven projectors. These projectors together create a 360-degree floor-to-ceiling surround experience. In addition there is a discrete surround sound system with multiple speakers placed around the space to convey the lush biophonies that eloquently express the voice of these rainforests.

PRESS on the work and event
http://natepagel.home.mindspring.com/WED/press.htm

As many as 275 people at a time will be completely surrounded by an engaging video and sound presentation which makes them feel they are inside an abstraction of the Rainforest. Over 10,000 people were able to experience RAINFOREST during the week.

The dome is constructed of steel struts connected in a geodesic pattern – a stylish, strong, self-supporting structure. The dome has portals on opposite sides to allow visitors to flow through the enclosed space.

The 44-foot dome has 1500 interior usable square feet and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Related Tags: immersive, rainforest