GOOGLE AUCKLAND

How can we make a ceiling come alive?

WHAT
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THE LARGEST DIGITAL CEILING IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

The team at United Make (UDMK) has delivered a stunning artwork for the largest Phygital (Physical/Digital) Ceiling in New Zealand, gracing Google’s purpose-built new office in Auckland. A fusion of physical and digital, this installation is a 13-hour CGI animation that takes viewers on an epic journey through a composite landscape of New Zealand. From the vast expanse of the sky to the depths of the ocean, this artwork is a true celebration of the natural beauty and diversity of New Zealand.

The artwork is not just a visual spectacle but a unique and immersive experience that drops viewers into a digital cave, where delightful Easter Eggs are hidden within. The journey through this installation is made even more special by the seamless integration of physical and digital elements, which creates a sense of wonder and amazement.

WHY
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BRINGING THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE INSIDE

The purpose of the Phygital Ceiling project was not only to create an impressive and visually stunning feature for Google’s new office in Auckland but also to showcase the beauty and diversity of New Zealand’s landscape.

Google is a company that values innovation and creativity, and as such, they wanted their new office in Auckland to be a reflection of these values. The Phygital Ceiling installation was designed to be a unique and immersive experience that showcases the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty, culture, and identity. As a company that operates globally, Google aims to create spaces that are representative of the local community and culture in which they operate. The Phygital Ceiling installation is a celebration of New Zealand’s unique identity and culture.

HOW
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DIGITAL NATURE

How: To create the impressive and visually stunning Phygital Ceiling for Google’s new office in Auckland, the UDMK team employed a range of creative techniques and cutting-edge technology.

The team conducted extensive research into the type of flora and fauna found in New Zealand and used LIDAR scanning technology to scan real native plants, ensuring that they could recreate the natural landscape of New Zealand digitally with a high degree of accuracy. The team then went into VR space to check the 3D models of plants and animals at the correct scale for the 3×6 meter digital ceiling.

In addition to creating a realistic representation of the New Zealand landscape, the UDMK team also reimagined some of Google’s iconic imagery to fit within the overall theme of the installation. For example, they transformed the “no internet” T-Rex dinosaur into a fossil and the Google location icon into a stone monolith. These Easter eggs add an element of fun and surprise for viewers, encouraging them to explore the installation further.

With their expertise in CGI animation, design, and installation, the UDMK team was able to create a seamless and immersive experience for viewers. By combining digital and physical elements, the team was able to create a unique and impressive installation that showcases the beauty and diversity of New Zealand. The attention to detail and the use of cutting-edge technology ensured that the final product was a stunning representation of the natural landscape of New Zealand, while also incorporating Google’s playful and recognizable imagery.

To ensure the project was delivered to the highest standard, the UDMK team utilized a great Content Management System (CMS) that allowed them to control, test, collaborate, and coordinate the process remotely. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team worked closely with various teams, including the Google Team, Danyal Kola, Bluewater Project Management, Ian Baldwin, Monstavision, WARREN AND MAHONEY, Signogy GmbH, and Alaska Construction + Interiors.

In summary, the Phygital Ceiling installation was designed to be an impressive and visually stunning feature of Google’s new office in Auckland. But beyond that, it was created to showcase the unique identity and culture of New Zealand, to educate viewers about the country’s natural beauty and diversity, and to demonstrate how technology can be used to create immersive and meaningful experiences.