Revolutionizing Exhibitions: Aleksandr Volkov's Mixed Reality

Unveiling the Holographic Installation that Transformed Energy Education

Inspired by the task of presenting a topic related to energy, Aleksandr Volkov sought to create graphics that were weightless and representative of energy itself. This led him to the rediscovery of an old technology from 1584, Pepper's Ghost. Despite its flaws, Volkov saw potential and decided to refine it, leading to unexpected and innovative results.

The interactive installation became the centerpiece of the exhibition stand, narrating the energy strategy of Moscow. Volkov utilized hologram technology with a unique approach, creating a deep illusion of the presence of real objects. This was achieved through a combination of screens, projections, mirrors, and sound, providing all the attributes of real objects, except touch.

The realization of this design involved the traditional Pepper’s Ghost concept. The setup consisted of a LED backdrop wall, three projectors for the floor, and LED mounted to the ceiling. The use of projectors extended animations from the backdrop wall via the floor onto the holographic foil. An animated shadow was added to the hologram to provide plasticity. A unique UI was created for designers to work in the general animation channel of the entire scene.

Interaction with the installation was facilitated through a touch screen. Users could select a topic of interest and watch as objects, figures, and graphs explaining complex processes in the energy industry materialized or dissolved in the air. This project, which started on October 3, 2017, in Moscow, was completed on October 7, 2017, and was exhibited at the first "Russian energy week".

Through extensive research and experimentation, Volkov was able to enhance the realism of the hologram by focusing on its effect on surrounding objects, namely light and shadow. The design was developed with strict adherence to rules to maintain the illusion, with a focus on minimalism and the sensation of energy literally in the air. This innovative approach to presenting complex information earned the design a Silver in A' Event and Happening Design Award in 2020.

In conclusion, Aleksandr Volkov's Mixed Reality is a testament to the power of innovation and design in transforming the way we present and interact with complex information. It pushes the boundaries of technology and offers a glimpse into the future of exhibitions and interactive installations.