Curtin University
Year Completed | 2023
Earth Portal - An Immersive Experience Design to Inspire Climate Awareness and Connection to Earth
The Earth Portal
Imagine stepping into a gateway that transports you across the globe and through time itself. Welcome to the Earth Portal—an awe-inspiring experience inspired by the cutting-edge visuals of the Las Vegas Sphere, where the wonders of our planet and the harsh realities of climate change come alive like never before.
Through breathtaking 3D volumetric projections and mesmerizing anamorphic LED displays, the Earth Portal transforms learning into an unforgettable adventure. Touch the sands of a disappearing desert, witness glaciers melting before your eyes, and feel the rising tides of a warming world—all within a safe, immersive space that stimulates every sense.
This isn’t just a lesson; it’s a journey to the frontlines of our planet’s story. For young explorers and curious minds, the Earth Portal unlocks a deeper connection to our planet, showing them what’s at stake and empowering them to make a difference. By blending state-of-the-art technology with powerful storytelling, the Earth Portal brings a new dimension to climate awareness and inspires action like never before.
Design Brief
“Design speculative human-centered interfaces (in hybrid form) applying future technologies and interactions such as body gestures, holograms, 3D effects, augmented and VR systems. The objective is to enhance human connectivity, engage multiple senses and demonstrate the emotional effects.”
Vision Statement
"I want to create an interactive '3D portal' that takes people on a multi-sensory journey to explore the natural wonders of our planet while experiencing the adverse effects of global warming. The goal is to inspire a deeper connection to the Earth and foster a sense of responsibility to care for it."
Experience Map for Earth Portal- Image by Author
Sketch of the outer shell of the Earth Portal
Sketch of the holographic projector
Sketch of the entry way into the portal
Sketches of holographic projectors
Entry to the portal
A child like figure interacting with an holographic earth projection inside the portal
The Outer shell of the Earth Portal
The outer shell of the Earth Portal is covered with a Voronoi pattern that gracefully wraps around the semi-circular entrance. This pattern, inspired by natural cell structures, creates an organic, fragmented design that mimics the randomness and beauty of nature. The Voronoi pattern enhances the portal’s connection to the environment, inviting visitors into a space where technology and nature converge.
A person standing next to the outer shell of the Earth Portal
The Inner Dome
The dome’s walls will feature high-definition anamorphic displays, while a holographic 3D volumetric projector at its center will bring interactive 3D elements and control interfaces to life. The floor, embedded with LED displays, will project a variety of terrains and surfaces, further immersing users in their surroundings. Upon entering the dome, visitors will feel as though they've stepped into a portal, with full control to navigate and explore any destination around the world.
A person standing inside the walls of Earth Portal’s dome
Exploring Earth: An Interactive Journey Through Time and Space
Inside the portal, user will have the world at their fingertips as the holographic projector brings a dynamic, living representation of Earth to life. They can interact with the globe, zooming in to explore natural phenomena in real-time. With the power to drop into any location—be it a city, village, or remote wilderness—they can also travel back in time or glimpse into the future, witnessing Earth’s potential fate if current trends of greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked. This interactive journey fosters both curiosity and a sense of responsibility for the planet’s future.
A person looking at a holographic projection of the Earth, with the inner walls of the dome projecting deep space imagery.
A person looking at a holographic projection of the Earth, with the inner walls of the dome projecting polar environment.
The Earth Portal: A Multi-Sensory Immersive Learning Experience
The Earth Portal immerses users in diverse environments, enabling them to teleport to different worlds with lifelike sensations. Through spatial audio, olfactory sensors, and somatosensory technology, it simulates natural sounds, scents, and tactile sensations like temperature and wind. This multi-sensory experience enhances learning and exploration, allowing children to interact with flora and fauna, deepening their understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity in an engaging and interactive way.
User exploring and learning about diverse flora and ecosystems in an immersive experience.
User exploring and learning about Humpback whales through an immersive experience.
The Earth Portal: Experiencing the Impact of Climate Change
Within this portal, children can immerse themselves in the repercussions of climate change across the globe. They can teleport to regions affected by heatwaves, witness the life-altering impact of floods, experience wildfires ignited by extreme temperatures, and feel the chaotic cyclones born from global warming. This thoughtfully designed experience closely mirrors real-life scenarios, offering children valuable insights into these environmental challenges while fostering awareness about climate change and its effects on the planet.
User experiencing a flood in an urban environment through an immersive experience.
User experiencing Bushfire.
User experiencing Deforestation.
User experiencing Drought.
Conclusion
The Earth Portal has the potential to revolutionise how we educate and engage future generations, creating a more interactive and empathetic connection to the environment. By immersing users in the realities of our planet, it could inspire a sense of responsibility and urgency to protect and preserve the natural world for years to come.
Acknowledgement
Dr Qassim Saad (Unit coordinator)
This project is part of the Future Interface unit assessment in the Master of Design at Curtin University. All images used here are taken from Adobe stock (Educational License)