THE PRE-COLUMBIAN GOLD MUSEUM
Costa Rica
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The Costa Rica PreColumbian Gold Museum, renowned as one of the world's rare gold museums, commissioned us with crafting a permanent installation to illuminate the genesis of the universe, known as Ù SuLé, as per the beliefs of native pre-Columbian tribes.
Drawing inspiration from the cosmos, the design concept was fashioned after the Universe itself. Ù SuLé, conceived as a dual cone structure, comprises nine tiers housing spirits, animals, humans, ailments, and the deity Sibö. To bring this vision to life, we build a cylindrical framework for projecting imagery, complemented by enveloping surround sound, fostering an immersive experience.
Year
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2019
Technology
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ARENA + ARDUINO + XBEE + PDE
Synopsis
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Immersive interactive installation with wireless physical sensors activated by magnets installed on a central pole.
Scope
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Creative Direction
Creative Technology
Set & Installation Design
Technical Design & Hardware Deployment
Ù SuLé
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The cylindrical space, representing a slice of the universe, is navigable via a central pole, inspired by the cosmic axis. Custom engineering and a magnetic system enable real-time connection with the audiovisual system. Visitors ascend or descend through levels using the pole control, accompanied by voiceover narrations in English, Spanish, and Bri-Bri, offering insights into each sub-world with bespoke sound design.
In collaboration with the community and the Museum, we developed an interdisciplinary process covering concept creation, audiovisuals, technology, engineering, and fabrication. The result is a self-guided installation empowering visitors to explore the BriBri universe, challenging traditional narratives and fostering new ways of engagement.
Credits
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Creative Director & Tech Lead - Nicolás Bautista
Hardware and Installation Design - Nicolás Bautista
Custom Hardware Design & Programming - Luis Quesada
Creative Coder & Digital Fabrication - Jose Chavarria
Design Lead - Diana Zuleta
Illustration - Rosa Morales
Motion Graphics - Jeancarlo Valverde
Sound Design - Carlos Aguilar
Special Thanks
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Pre-Columbian Gold Museum Team
Virginia Vargas - Executive director
Andrés Salas - Museography and Design Coordinator
Priscilla Molina - Curator of Archeology