Atticus
Hyperlaunch Crafts Groundbreaking Atticus Installation for Southbank Centre
Overview
Hyperlaunch partnered with Southbank Centre to create Atticus, an interactive digital installation designed to explore identity, empathy, and the human experience. Using Kinect controllers for facial tracking and ultra-high-definition 3D scanning, Atticus allows visitors to see the face and life of someone else reflected back at them. The installation was built using Unity and Node.js and was featured at the Southbank Centre’s Festival of Neighbourhood.
The Challenge
Southbank Centre wanted to develop a digital art installation that would deeply engage visitors, encouraging them to experience the lives of others in a compelling and immersive way. The challenge was to combine advanced facial recognition technology with high-definition 3D scanning to create realistic digital avatars that accurately reflected diverse identities. The solution needed to be both technically sophisticated and artistically meaningful, seamlessly integrating into the aesthetic environment of the Royal Festival Hall.
The Solution
Hyperlaunch tackled this challenge by combining cutting-edge technology with creative storytelling:
- Facial Tracking and 3D Scanning: We used Kinect controllers for accurate facial tracking and ultra-high-definition 3D scanning to capture and recreate detailed digital avatars of real people from the local community, such as Judith Lyons, a midwife from St Thomas’ Hospital.
- Digital Mirror Experience: Built using Unity and Node.js, the digital mirror allowed users to see the face of someone else, complete with animated expressions and lifelike details, creating a deeply personal and emotional experience.
- Seamless Integration: The installation was designed to integrate smoothly with the space at Southbank Centre, both aesthetically and technically, ensuring a flawless experience for every visitor.
Key steps included:
- Rapid Development and Prototyping: Using Unity’s robust 3D capabilities, we quickly prototyped and developed the digital avatars, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience.
- Technical Artistry: We merged art and technology, using Node.js for backend integration and Kinect for real-time facial tracking, achieving a highly interactive installation that was both visually stunning and technically precise.
Technical Details
- Unity Engine: Powered the creation of photorealistic 3D avatars and the overall digital mirror experience, allowing for seamless integration of facial tracking data.
- Node.js: Handled server-side operations, ensuring real-time data processing and smooth performance throughout the interactive experience.
- Kinect Technology: Enabled precise facial tracking, capturing subtle expressions and movements, enhancing the immersive experience.
Results
The Atticus installation was a highlight of the Festival of Neighbourhood at Southbank Centre, drawing significant attention and participation from visitors. It successfully demonstrated how technology could be used to foster empathy and understanding by allowing people to see the world through someone else’s eyes.
James Cowdery, Head of Digital Engagement at Southbank Centre, remarked, “This was a really creative project that required serious technical skills, and Hyperlaunch delivered. Working at the intersection of art and technology, they brought Atticus to life in a way that deeply resonated with our community and visitors.”
Client Testimonials
James Cowdery, Head of Digital Engagement at Southbank Centre, stated, “The Atticus installation is a beautiful blend of art and cutting-edge technology. It required an exceptional level of creativity and technical prowess, and Hyperlaunch delivered beyond our expectations. The ability to work at this unique intersection of art and technology is what made Atticus such a compelling project.”
Chris Garrett, CEO of Hyperlaunch, shared, “Developing Atticus was an exciting and rewarding challenge. It allowed us to apply our technical skills to create something that truly evokes emotions and sparks conversation among users. This project exemplifies our ability to turn innovative ideas into powerful experiences.”
Conclusion
The Atticus installation at Southbank Centre showcases Hyperlaunch’s capability to deliver high-impact, technologically advanced installations that engage and inspire. By combining Kinect technology with Unity’s 3D capabilities, Hyperlaunch created a unique digital mirror experience that resonates with visitors on