Reykjavik Energy (OR)
A visiting center has been opened at the geothermal plant on Hellisheidi heath. It is Reykjavik Energy (Icel. Orkuveita Reykjavíkur) that buildt this power plant. A multimedia exhibition by Gagarin has been installed at the center. The exhibition illustrates through interactive media how energy is produced at the power plant. Visitors can also learn about the Hellisheiði area, its nature and history. The visiting center is open daily from 9 - 18.
challenge
Gagarin took an active role in the design of the exhibition from the first idea and throughout the process in cooperation with the exhibition designer Árni Páll Jóhannsson. The focus was to use the power plant itself, the building and the area around it as an important part of the „guests experience“ and great emphasis was on making the show a inseparable part of the building.
solutions
Several solutions have been made for Hellisheidi Visitor Centre over a period of three years.
THE harnessing cycle
The power plant’s harnessing cycle is projected on to a large glass plate, so visitors can learn about the power production in an interactive way through pictures and sound. Cameras detect visitors hands when touching the glass so many can interact at the same time (multi-touch). The program has different interface depending on wheater a tour guide with a group of tourists is controlling the presentation or many individuals are interacting with the screen at the same time. The material is in English and Icelandic.
See the harnessing cycle here.
BRUNNUR - the well
Interactive material was also produced for kiosks with projection on the walls, called Brunnur (The Well). Visitors can browse for various information on Hellsiheiði area, its nature and history. It covers the flora and fauna, the history of the geothermal area, cultural heritage facts and many legendary stories about people and ghosts that are present on the heath. The material is illustrated with videos, photos and drawings with texts and the narration is in Icelandic and English. See the web-version of Brunnurinn here.
The earth core
The Earth Core consists of a six meter long concrete bench. Inside the bench twelve monitors have been inserted and a drill core from a typical borehole. When visitors walk beside the bench, the application detects them with the help of cameras, and various information appears about different soil layers that scientists have to research when utilizing geothermal energy.