C-LAB Technology Media Platform FUTURE VISION LAB 2024

The Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB) established the Technology Media Platform which emphasizes on innovative media experimentation and social connections. Its purpose is to construct a cultural and technological experimental platform based on cross-disciplinary collaboration, co-creation, and cooperation to facilitate the integration of Taiwan’s cultural and technological resources while bringing together the cultural and technological sectors for co-creation. One of the labs of the platform features future visions, exploring the visual limits of technology media as its goal of experimentation. Building upon image algorithms and creation, as well as integration of hardware and software, the project outlines a cross-disciplinary vision for the enhancement of future visual effects.

For this edition of FUTURE VISION LAB, based on the concept of digital architecture, the Technology Media Platform re-develop an outdoor space DOME, which measures 15 meters. To create an immersive projection in the experiential dome space, multiple complicated techniques are involved, such as image warping, edge blending, mapping, play control, and image preprocessing, all of which are necessary for a fully immersive experience for the audience. From the floor, and the surrounding wall, to its zenith, the DOME’s interior is a streamlined spherical space, which renders the viewing of video works similar to that of naked-eye virtual reality. Meanwhile, the DOME is also an immersive site, which fits the innovative concept of “future vision.”

With a comprehensive hardware upgrade, “FUTURE VISION LAB 2024” will be launched from November to December 2024. The project will include a selection of works via an open call for individuals or groups who focus on immersive audiovisual creations and cross-disciplinary exhibitions/performances.

Funding Information

• For the selected projects and experimental groups, C-LAB will provide the exhibition/performance space, basic equipment and related technical assistance, marketing campaign and exposure for promotion. For each selected project, a work fee of NT$ 80,000 is offered.

Technical Specifications

• Spatial Structure 
  • The interior of the experimental architectural structure is one smooth curved surface, equipped with 10K-resolution dome projection, Ambisonics sound system and audio equipment.
  • Dimension: The spheric screen has a diameter of 15 meters, and the height of the dome-shaped space is 7.5 meters.
  • Capacity: 60 to 80 persons (seated); 90 to 120 persons (standing).
• Video Specification
  • The DOME is equipped with ten sets of 10,000 lumen laser projectors, bringing the total resolution to 10K. Combined with dome-shaped blending and the technology of system interfacing, the DOME is suitable for screening video works and real-time video streaming. It is recommended to output the video with HAP or HAPQ Codec to ensure smooth playing of the video. The vids of resolution over 6144×6144 must be output with HAP chunk 16 Codec to play.
• Sound System 
  • A total of 25 sets of passive speakers and 4 sets of subwoofer speakers are configured for surround sound on site, supporting a variety of spatial audio formats, including 4thorder Ambisonics, VBAP (vector-based amplitude panning), VBIP (Vector Base Intensity), WFS (wave field synthesis) and other multi-channel surround formats.
  • There is a digital console on site, and one can use the main control computer to operate and play the pre-recorded audio or use it in series with the creator’s equipment through the Dante network system. The sound sources can be input and converted through multiple channels, but it is recommended to use the Ambisonics related sound system for creation. After being selected, relevant technology introduction workshops can be arranged. It is recommended to provide audio files in WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) format to output multi-channel or Ambisonics format.

Eligibility Criteria

• The open call is open to individuals (joint creation allowed) without limitation of age and nationality, and to registered groups, studios, companies, or legal persons as well.
• Submissions cannot be projects organized or commissioned by governments, political parties, schools, or other organizations with abovementioned entities as primary shareholders or benefactors. However, projects co-organized with public art organizations are permitted.
• Every individual or group applicant can submit maximum 2 projects (including joint creation).

For more information, visit Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab.