The Changing Ocean

At the Bergen Aquarium, Aurora Vortex led the curation, design, scriptwriting, and direction of The Changing Ocean – an immersive installation that takes visitors on a journey beneath the ocean’s surface. This 360-degree experience, with seamless floor-to-ceiling projections and dynamic soundscapes, guides audiences from coastal waters to the mysterious depths of 3.000 meters below sea level – and back up through the water column.

The content was developed in close collaboration with Bergen Aquarium staff, scientists and technical experts, combining research-driven insights with engaging storytelling. Through vivid imagery and spatial audio, the installation reveals the beauty of marine life and the impacts of human activity, where natural sounds and human-made disturbances merge to tell a powerful story.

Realizing this vision required teamwork across disciplines. The result is a multi-layered experience that informs, inspires, and encourages visitors to reflect on their role in protecting the ocean’s future.

The Changing Ocean – Case Study

Introduction

Project Name: The Changing Ocean

Commissioner and Location: Bergen Aquarium, Norway

Opening Date: May 3rd, 2024

Collaborators:

  • Institute of Marine Research (HI)

  • University of Bergen (UiB)

  • Rebel Unit (CGI/Interactive Projections)

  • Avistas (Installation and Technical Setup)

  • Yngve Sætre (Sound Design)

  • Supported by Agenda Vestland, GC Rieber Fundation, and Bergen Municipality

Project Overview

The Changing Ocean is a groundbreaking 360-degree immersive installation designed to highlight the human impact on marine environments and inspire sustainable action. The installation leverages cutting-edge technology, visual storytelling, and scientific collaboration to create a multisensory underwater experience.

Concept and Purpose

The ocean covers 71% of the Earth’s surface, but less than 10% has been explored. With Norway’s extensive coastline and its role as a steward of marine ecosystems, this installation aims to:

  • Raise Awareness about human impact on the ocean.

  • Showcase Solutions for marine restoration.

  • Inspire Action among visitors, policymakers, and businesses.

The installation aligns with Bergen Aquariums vision to bridge towards the future World Ocean Center “O” (Verdenshavsenteret “O”) and promote ocean literacy globally.

Immersive room

The Experience

Immersive 360-Degree Installation

Visitors enter a specially designed white box featuring:

360-Degree Visual Projections:

  • Journey through underwater habitats from coastal shallows to the ocean depths, witnessing:

  • Marine life (jellyfish, coral reefs, fish, whales).

  • Effects of human activity (pollution, bottom trawling, wind farms).

  • Restoration efforts (cleanup of Puddefjorden and returning biodiversity).

Surround Sound:

  • Authentic underwater sounds like whale songs, boat engines, and seismic blasts. A scene where bubble curtains dampens the sound of piling beams down in the seabed.

  • Demonstrations of how human noise pollution disrupts marine life.

Restoration and Hope:

  • Success stories of ecosystems recovering.

  • Actions individuals and industries can take to protect oceans.

The ROV, Ægir6000 in view

Collaboration and Development

The project was developed in close collaboration with:

  • Scientists and Researchers: Providing data and insights (UiB, HI). A full reference list is here.

  • Technical Experts: Rebel Unit (CGI), Avistas (tech.),  Yngve Sætre (audio).

  • Funding Partners: Agenda Vestland, GC Rieber Funds, Bergen Municipality.

Impact and Reception

  • Engagement: Thousands of visitors have been immersed in the experience since its launch.

  • Viral Reach: A short reel showcasing The Changing Ocean went viral on Instagram, garnering nearly 7 million views. (LINK)

  • Education and Debate: Sparked discussions on marine sustainability and human responsibility.

  • Future Vision: Positioned as a precursor to the World Ocean Center “O” and a model for the aquariums of the future.

Conclusion

The Changing Ocean demonstrates how immersive technology, science, and art can unite to drive awareness and action. By showing both the challenges and solutions facing our oceans, this installation empowers visitors to become stewards of the sea.

“We must act now – together, we can preserve the oceans for future generations.”

Work with Us

Are you interested in creating an installation that combines science, technology, and art to engage audiences in new ways?

Contact us at Aurora Vortex Studio. Let’s explore the unknown together.