Projection Mapping
The project
The University of Oxford’s Neuroscience Department launched a touring neuro-MRI themed escape room designed to unlock scientific curiosity and boost public confidence in neuroscience. To turn this brainy concept into an immersive, AV-rich experience, they called on our team to provide the technical wizardry, projection mapping, interactive audio, and cinematic lighting, that would power this evil-brain-gone-rogue narrative.
The challenge
The University needed to translate complex neurological concepts into an engaging, tactile experience that would appeal to everyone from school groups to science fair visitors. The goal: blend education with escapism. We had to create a responsive, sensory-rich environment that brought MRI technology, real-life brain scans, and AI mischief to life – while ensuring it could be packed up and taken on tour.
The solution
We put our AV brains to the test and delivered a fully immersive, portable solution powered by projection mapping, ambient lighting, and audio storytelling. Here’s how:
- Projection & Displays:
- Optoma ZH406 projector brought the evil AI brain to life.
- Brightsign XT1144 + 2 x Brightsign HD22s handled media playback.
- UHD 32” & HD 24” Samsung panels displayed dynamic MRI scans and brain images.
Lighting & Control:
We integrated a cinematic lighting system with an Enttec S-Play Light Show Controller, LED tape, driver, and a custom 8-way relay interface unit, giving the room a sci-fi thriller feel.
Audio & Atmosphere:
Partnering with audio experts Pastporte, we crafted a layered, reactive soundscape that built suspense and delivered robotic AI dialogue à la HAL 9000. Each area and task featured sound cues to guide, tease, or terrify visitors at the perfect moment.
The Experience
Visitors are welcomed by a rogue AI brain that threatens to lock down the lab. Their only escape? Solve a series of puzzles blending MRI physics, image analysis, and neuroscience with hands-on challenges like kinetic sand brains and tabletop tasks, all under pressure from ticking timers and an increasingly irritated brain.
The evolving audio, dynamic visuals, and lighting cues immerse players in an environment that feels half science lab, half dystopian sci-fi thriller.
The impact
This unique escape room is now touring schools, science fairs, museums, and community events, turning complex neuroscience topics into an unforgettable, brain-boosting adventure. It’s a mix of sensory education, with the added thrill of narrowly escaping an evil sentient brain.
What they said
“Combining neuroscience with the thrill of an escape room is a totally new way to educate and inspire. It’s been super fun working with LCI and Pastporte to bring this world to life.”
~ Amy Howard, PhD, Oxford Neuroscience Department
