Design

Narrative was a core part of the overall experience too. We wanted to make sure we did justice to the regional tales and stories, and so designed a flow that would take guests through time, so that when they entered the video projection dome, they were already engaged and intrigued as to what they would find next. We started out the project by mapping out the guest flow of the geodesic domes, highlighting the three key areas of the experience.

We started by masterplanning the experience. The ‘history dome’ which would tell the story of the town of Portmagee, the ‘video projection dome’, which would house an immersive 360-degree experience, and finally ‘Smuggler’s Walk’, a winding path of storytelling that leads guests to the final stage of the experience. We also worked on a bespoke poem ‘Spirit of the Seas’ to capture the essence of the village and visitor experience, for use throughout the guest experience. After highlighting the key theming elements including the interpretation boards and interactives, we started by creating concept designs. 

Schematic drawings were also created for each bespoke structure that would become part of the experience; including a series of triangular shaped graphics that would sit within the structure of the history dome. Each triangular space within the geodesic structure of the dome was a different size, so each design had to be considered, and the print set up exactly to ensure that the design flowed cleanly over the different panels.

Creative production

We worked alongside our Ireland based contractor to design and produce a rustic backdrop that would be juxtaposed against the modern geodesic dome. This rustic theming included oak furniture, suspended rope walls and barrel seating. We designed interpretation boards that were sympathetic to the Portmagee Whiskey brand style, and included bespoke illustrations and local photographs and imagery to help tell the stories. This dome provided the perfect introduction to the Portmagee story, whilst building anticipation for the main 360 video projection experience.

The 360 video projection dome has provided a totally immersive experience. Guests are invited to sit within a real Seine boat, and are taken on a journey through the bumpy waves and heart-thumping fables of Portmagee’s past. Weather conditions interchange, famous coastal landmarks are sailed past, while the ‘Spirit of Portmagee’ poem roars with drama.

This 3D photorealistic environment, built in Unreal Engine, coincides with 360-degree audio, salt spray and gusts of wind to enrich the sensory experience of guests and provide a realistic scenario as to life on the waves of the Atlantic Sea. The 360 video projection dome is the real ‘wow’ moment for guests and completely authentic to the area.