03 PM | 02 Oct

The Styx from Skullmapping [#geekgirl]

The Styx from Skullmapping on Vimeo.

With ‘The Styx’, Skullmapping is venturing in a new direction. By using the technical knowledge build up in our mapping projects, we’ve decided to create an immersive multi sensoric virtual reality experience. ‘The Styx’ is being developed for ‘Leuven in Scène’ and will have it’s premiere on 11, 12 and 13 july 2014.

Spectators arrive one by one at a predetermined time at the venue. At the entrance, the spectator receives a golden coin. A guide comes to pick them up and guides them into the room. The spectator takes place on a wooden bench and puts on an Oculus Rift (Virtual Reality Headset) and headphones, holding the coin in one hand. The viewer is able to look around 360 degrees in a virtual environment. Because of stereoscopy the spectator has the feeling that they are actually in that virtual world. Not only through 3D vision and 3D sound, but also through other sensoric experiences such as smell and touch. The story we bring is based on the myth of the Styx, the river in Greek mythology that formed the boundary between Earth and the Underworld. The spectator sinks down into the underground and ‘awakens’ next to a pier seated in a small boat. A mysterious figure (Charon) walks down the pier and jumps into the boat. He takes the coin the spectator is holding (the action of the virtual character is mimicked by the guide). Charon starts to row down the Styx, into the Underworld. He steers through a labyrinth of caves, overcoming unexpected obstacles, such as rapids and even a mythical creature. After these dark endeavours, we finally arrive in a peaceful, heavenly world. The little boat strands on a beach, and we’ve reached the end of our journey.

http://skullmapping.com

Credits Concept / Design / Animation: Antoon Verbeeck + Filip Sterckx Sounddesign: Valentijn Steenhoudt Camera: Pierre Schreuder Commissioned by Leuven in Scène