Victory! Round by round, we got closer to our goal to win the competition to redesign the Salzwelten Salzburg. Finally, after a tough pitch with 40 other teams participating, we made it!
Soon after, the kick-off for the large-scale project followed. We started by laser-scanning the whole area. Based on these visualizations, we collected ideas how to transform the former salt mine into a multi-sensorial visitor experience. We came up with a new surprise for each chamber! Our personal favourite is the underground lake that is crossed via boat. While sitting in the boat, our projections take you to another place and time.
Our concept started by researching the history of salt at the Dürrnberg. We tried to find a way how to tell visitors the story of salt, starting from today until far back when salt mining was a highly dangerous business. Finally, we succeeded in telling the story both entertaining and informing – at least that is how we perceive it.
Besides the big story of salt mining, which has plenty of side stories to it, we were following another story line. At the historically recreated Celtic village, the story of the ancient tribe of the Celts is told. The Celts are deeply involved with the history of salt mining and therefore part of what makes the place special.
We developed a special look, matching the CI of Salzwelten Salzburg and the atmosphere below ground. Orange was a key colour, both matching the CD as well as sparking light in cavy surroundings. All films, digital signage, the app and the light concept are synchronised and adapted to a flow of visitors entering the experience.
Our favourite? Hard to tell. However, one of the most fascinating parts of a visit so Salzwelten Salzburg is the scene on the boat. As a visitor, you sit on a boat while the walls of the lake you are crossing are mapped with projections that show bits and pieces of a glorious past. Definitely an experience of multi sensual involvement!
To be honest, using rock walls as a display was quite a challenge. When we got used to it, we had fun adapting to these new screen formats. The unusual forms of display are part of what makes a visit to Salzwelten Salzburg special. It really is an immersive experience. While visitors progress deeper in the mountain, they experience a variety of films and objects explaining the history and use of salt.
Besides films, we came up with our specialities: 3D graphics and Augmented Reality. We developed characters representing Celts and photo-scanned historically precious objects. These objects are integrated in the destination guide, the app we created exclusively for Salzwelten. Users are met with high-quality 3D objects, so they can get deep insights and close-up looks of preserved ancient handicraft.
The exhibition starts in the present, displaying the high end technique that is used to gain salt. The deeper visitors enter into the mountain, the further they move into the past.
Many inspections on-site were necessary to realise this project. Environmental mapping required several test iterations until it met our expectations. Additionally, the visitor flow follows a strict timely scheme, therefore all media has to fit that scheme.
There is not much flexibility when it comes to deviation or delays. By setting up a detailed simulation of the visitor flow in advance, we were prepared to adapt and deliver on point.
