“We wanted to create a ‘multi-sensory’ experience which is impossible to have in real life but presented in a way that feels real. The visitor will use the VR headset to take an immersive journey to the unfamiliar. With the use of a beautiful visual design, real elements (wind and vibrations) combined with a state-of-the-art spatial sound system this will tap into all the Odyssey senses and create a highly emotional experience.

Odyssey is marking the start of event-based VR installations,” explains Schaedler, founder of LA based design studio Optimist Design. “Odyssey seeks to explore design on a more spiritual or philosophical level, triggering emotions through the use of technology. The experience is a metaphor of what’s really important in life and how a shift in perspective can change our perception and with it, the definition of our world. Odyssey has been conceived as an experience based design project.”

“Now it’s just a game, but 3D virtual and augmented realities will be the future of the internet: I am based in Los Angeles and you’re from Milan but soon we will meet to watch a movie together, chatting and interacting without moving from home,” he tells Domus “so it will be interesting to explore how this individual experiences may become collective.”

To recreate the space at Somerset House for the VR experience, a 3D scan was made of the empty room and a similar technique was used to create the landscape that has been extended digitally. Working with design and cinematic soundscape specialists Nordmeister from LA, the installation is enhanced with cutting edge technology (Sub Pac and Ossic).

Sounds are transformed into vibrations with a spacial sound experience, enhancing the emotional aspect of journey, as visitors not only hear but also feel the sound. The headset and VR glasses represent the new HTC technology that will be launched into the consumer market soon, setting new standards for the industry. This art installation aims to defy the linear concept of time, scale and space by providing an emotional and exciting journey.