Ocean Pavilion, Media Design

At the Seattle Aquarium's Ocean Pavilion, Thinc's media team developed and implemented an interactive set of media elements to further the project's model of conservation, the "Ocean Ethic"—a philosophy that views life on Earth and in the ocean as a single, holistic system in urgent need of global stewardship.

To bring this vision to life, we designed an Aquarium-wide media ecosystem anchored by One Ocean Hall, a fully immersive atrium with twelve video projectors mapping content seamlessly to five surfaces, including the floor. The experience is an ultra high-definition, large-format showcase of breathtaking underwater environments and narrative films, screened throughout the day. Presented by Aquarium personnel and driven by a bespoke, programmable content manage system, these immersive narratives showcase first-person stories about people whose deeply personal connections with the ocean have inspired a lifelong commitment to its conservation.

Beyond One Ocean Hall, Ocean Pavilion media helps transport visitors through the Aquarium in varying interactive modes. "Ocean Stories" videos tell first-person stories of individuals whose epiphanies prompted them to dedicate their lives to preserving the oceans. Painterly animation illustrates intricate life cycles of coral reefs and mangrove forests, while "Species ID" interactives involving participatory design engage visitors to search the Aquarium's live exhibits by shape and color. Interactive crawl-through areas with touchscreens present underwater animals from various viewpoints encourage curiosity and discovery. Combined, these media experiences enrich the Ocean Pavilion, complementing its stunning physical environment with an interactive storytelling and educational tools that enlighten, inspire, and increase individuals' attachment to the ocean.