Ideum recently completed a new interactive exhibit for the Volcano Discovery Center located inside the Valles Caldera National Preserve. For 1.25 million years, Valles Caldera has been shaped by dramatic geological events, thriving ecosystems, and a rich tapestry of human history. These stories unfold across the 89,000-acre landscape and span vast stretches of time. To represent this significant landscape, Ideum, in collaboration with the National Park Service, created a 12-foot topographic relief map as a canvas for this rich history to be projected upon.
Suspended above the map, a 4K projector brings the model surface to life with projection-mapped sequences that engage multiple visitors at once. Synchronized RGB lighting washes light on the walls in colors, while a 6.1 surround sound system with a 15” subwoofer creates a dynamic audioscape that can be felt as sounds travel through the space. Finally, the show control system ties into motorized roller shades that darken the room every hour for the signature volcanic eruption sequence, transforming the exhibit hall into a fully immersive, cinematic environment.
While the large map surface captivates groups, the experience was also designed for multiuser interaction. Four Ideum-built 34” 5K UltraWide Presenter touch screen displays surround the perimeter of the surface, giving multiple visitors simultaneous control of the projected animations. Ideum developed the touch screen software at the core of these interactive stations. Each station offers games and activities tied to one of four themes: Cultural History, Geology, Ecology, and Scientific Discovery.
Using Geographic Information System (GIS) data provided by the National Park Service, our exhibit fabrication team created a true-to-life scaled model of the Valles Caldera landscape. The map surface was machine-milled from high-density foam, then coated with epoxy for durability and finished with projection-enhancing paint. This hard-wearing surface is easy to clean and resistant to damage.
The model's substructure, built from steel and wooden joists, is clad in solid surface material, creating an ultra-durable piece designed to endure the heavy use of public spaces while maintaining a refined appearance.
Since the newly branded Volcano Discovery Center sits more than a mile from the park’s main entrance, Ideum and the NPS created a way to draw visitors into the new interactive exhibit hall. At the Welcome Station, a 65” Ideum Presenter is programmed to be a Digital Docent providing maps, FAQs, and other day planning tools. Most notably, it includes a countdown clock inviting guests to witness the volcanic eruption every hour.
The interactive map and other media are on exhibit at the Volcano Discovery Center from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 7 days a week.
