An interactive display table, featuring 360º projection and RFID smart sticks, was part of the award-winning German pavilion at Expo 2017.
The conceptual development, planning and realisation of the pavilion was the responsibility of a consortium headed by the insglück agency, which commissioned Neumann&Müller Veranstaltungstechnik to install the AV and media technology.
Held in Astana, Kazakhstan from 10 June to 10 September, the Expo had as its theme ‘Future Energy: Action for Global Sustainability’. The focus was on a sufficient and reliable supply of energy in developing countries as well as on the transition from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy.
The interactive highlight of the German pavilion was the Smart Grid Table, encountered after visitors had explored the ‘Map of the Future’ and ‘City of the Future’ exhibitions areas. This was a multimedia experience developed from ‘energy points’ previously collected by means of RFID smart sticks. A round table, 6m in diameter, stood in the centre of the twelve-sided room and acted as a projection surface for a twofold 4K soft-edge projection. From a recess in the middle of the table, laser beams were directed onto six further projection surfaces on the outer walls of the rooms by means of a mirror sculpture installed above to enable an interactive experience. The result was an impressive 360º presentation, further augmented by a three-dimensional audio installation.
The technical side of the presentation was implemented by an international team with local knowledge, supported by numerous N&M branch offices. A total of five trailers of equipment had been brought from Germany to Astana before construction began, including 4K laser projectors. Special installation lights were procured and other bespoke parts manufactured.
The equipment took nearly two weeks to cover the 4,700km kilometres through five countries, from the N&M storage facility in Leipzig all the way to Astana. However, the last few metres turned out to be a real challenge for the logistics crew as only one service provider had been allowed on site to deliver supplies to the national pavilions. Due to this heavy workload, in some cases the logistics company only delivered the desired load to its final destination after a wait of several days. This meant that fast and close collaboration was required between all the disciplines involved to make up for lost time and meet the deadline for completion.
The German pavilion won a number of awards at the Expo, including the award for Best Interactive Exhibit for the Smart Grid Table. This award was presented by Exhibitor magazine, which also adjudicates on the Stand Design Awards at Integrated Systems Europe.
Picture: Michael Ebert for N&M
