The Deep and SCC

The Deep is a renowned charity, science centre and aquarium, which welcomes more than 460,000 guests annually, including 15,000 school children for formal education sessions. The Deep’s mission is to foster a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the world’s oceans and to inspire positive change for their survival.

Challenge

The Deep faced the challenge of remaining a relevant and attractive destination as technology and visitor expectations evolved. Their existing exhibition technology dated back to the 1990s, and there was a pressing need to realign their mission with local marine biodiversity and conservation efforts. The Deep wanted to:

• Deliver innovative, immersive experiences that engaged visitors of all ages.
• Enhance educational impact, both informally and formally.
• Support local conservation partnerships and act as a bridge between fieldwork and public engagement.
• Ensure any upgrades made to the aquarium were sensitive to both visitors and the resident sea life.

Solution

To address The Deep’s evolving needs, SCC Collaboration supported the Cool Seas Project to deliver a transformative AV experience that redefined how visitors engaged with ocean conservation and education.

SCC Collaboration delivered large-scale AV installations throughout key exhibition spaces to create sensory-rich environments that transported visitors to the heart of the ocean. These environments blended digital, interactive and physical elements, to ensure every guest experienced the ocean in new and memorable ways.

Projects included:

• Plankton Exhibition – A standout feature is the Plankton Column, which uses touchless gesture control technology. This interactive AV unit allows visitors to explore the vital role of plankton in ocean ecosystems. The installation is designed to be visually impactful, providing photo opportunities and serving as a focal point for educational content.
• Jellyfish Wall – The Jellyfish Wall combines AV with physical displays, offering a multi-sensory experience that soothes and intrigues visitors. The dynamic visuals and ambient soundscapes immerse guests in the world of jellyfish, enhancing the overall value and appeal of the exhibition.
• Wave Area – Waves are projected on the floor to invite children and adults alike to interact with the ocean environment. This realistic AV feature fosters emotional connections and encourages playful learning, making conservation messages more accessible and memorable.
• Sand Pit Project – The Sand Pit uses AV to simulate a shoreline environment, where visitors are encouraged to collect and dispose of plastic waste. This interactive experience changes inline with user actions to highlight the impact of pollution through engaging, hands-on learning.

By leveraging cutting-edge AV technology, the Cool Seas Project has created a truly immersive, interactive, and educational experience that sets The Deep apart as a leader in ocean conservation and public engagement.