At Immerse Studio, we’ve always believed in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible when art and technology come together. One project that truly embodied this spirit was Visualize Somerville, a groundbreaking interactive installation that blended community, tech, and creativity in an unforgettable way.
Led by Jonathan Macleod and integrally supported by Tommy Etkin’s expertise, the Immerse Studio team transformed the walls of Brooklyn Boulders Somerville, a 40,000-square-foot rock climbing gym, into a living, breathing digital canvas. And the best part? The artwork wasn’t just something to look at—you could control it.
Imagine walking into a climbing gym, smartphone in hand, and being able to project your own creations on the walls while others scale them. Up to 40 participants could connect their phones or tablets, control different aspects of the visuals, and collectively create a constantly evolving piece of art. This wasn’t just about watching a show—it was about making one, alongside a whole community of creators.
The Beginnings
Visualize Somerville actually had its roots in a previous event at Brooklyn Boulders in 2015. That event, which featured projection mapping designed by a team of visual artists, was a huge success. People loved the experience of climbing through immersive digital landscapes, and it sparked the idea to bring the community into the process in an even bigger way.
That’s where Jon’s Master’s Capstone project at Harvard Extension School came into play. Building on the concept from the original event, he reimagined it as a fully interactive, collaborative experience. The entire installation was custom coded, allowing dozens of participants to control the projections in real-time.
Raising the Bar—And Raising Funds
Creating a project on this scale came with a unique set of challenges. From the beginning, the team understood the high technical demands, including acquiring powerful projection systems and designing software that enabled seamless user interaction. To bring the vision to life, Jon launched a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising funds to cover the costs of equipment, artist fees, and logistics.
With the funds secured, Visualize Somerville went on to become a huge success, running twice and bringing together art lovers, climbers, and tech enthusiasts alike. The partnership with Brooklyn Boulders Somerville was key to making this happen—their collaborative space and support made it the perfect venue for this unique fusion of physical and digital experiences.
Technology Creates Community
Visualize Somerville is a perfect example of how technology can bring people together to create something bigger than the sum of its parts. It’s not just about watching art unfold—it’s about being part of it. Looking ahead, we see Visualize Somerville as just the beginning. This project was a prototype for what we hope will be a series of large-scale, interactive installations, where art and community take center stage.
Comentários