Meet the Giants
Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels (BE), 2023
After the dinosaurs died out, other animals had the space to grow – and grow, and grow. At the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels, visitors come face-to-face with 11 colossal creatures of the past.
Photography: Institute of Natural Sciences
A world of whoppers
A snake nearly 12 metres long. A giant sloth that stood five metres tall on its hind legs. And of course the famous mammoth with its majestic tusks. Giants gives visitors the incredible opportunity to experience a close encounter with 11 extinct animals. While they differ in terms of shape, habitat, and the periods they lived in, they share one shocking trait: they’re all gigantic. Thanks to various media, visitors can step inside the worlds of these amazing animals and the scientists who study them.
Liesbeth from Ocular and Astrid from Studio Louter during the installation of the media.
Media content partner
As a content partner, Studio Louter was involved in the media production for the exhibition. As part of a consortium with Ocular and Create, we developed a concept and narrative for the media elements. Working with the museum, we translated the concept – ‘Meet the Giants’ – into accessible films and games. Visitors travel back in time to face a massive beast in its native environment. The next moment, they step into a scientist’s shoes and watch or take part in a paleontologist’s activities. We consulted with content experts to ensure the unity and scientific accuracy of the media elements.
Familiar game principles
Two interactive games feature in the exhibition. Studio Louter worked with the museum and Ocular to develop a concept, an interactive script and a visual style for each. The games use familiar principles such as puzzle assembly. In this way, they make complex scientific information digestible and accessible for a broad audience.
“My favorite part was the temporary exhibition ‘Giants’, with life-sized 3D animal representations of extinct megafauna. (…) I would recommend to visit during the least crowded times, so you can do the activities and games without waiting.”
Chloe, Google Review — November 2023
Credits
Client
Institute of Natural SciencesInteractive Media Production
Ocular
Studio LouterContent Design Media
Studio LouterAnimation
CreateHardware
Ocular