NAU: immersive cocoon virtual reality

rendering of the ‘immersive cocoon’ concept by NAU

the ‘immersive cocoon‘ concept by the zurich and berlin -based design collective NAU redefines our conception of virtual reality, replacing 3D screens and augmented reality headsets with a physically navigable 3D space.

the interior of the 4-meter (13 foot) carbon fibre sphere features a panoramic display screen with surround sound speakers, augmented with motion capture cameras and a motion-sensitive floor plate. seating and air conditioning provide comforts, while a retractable stairway and entry hatch provide entry and exit access.

in addition to its functionality in gaming, the motion-sensing software permits gestural navigation through the virtual worlds displayed onscreen. indeed NAU envisions the ‘immersion cocoon’ used for educational purposes, as well as for telecommunications and other business needs. ‘cocoons can be leased privately or used as 21st century telephone booths,‘ NAU suggests, ‘with session time booked on-the-go via smart phone.  One can easily start a teleconference with other cocoon users around the world, making it an ideal tele-working option.‘

another opportunity opened by the 3D space is in the fields of exercise and training, since a user’s form and position can be tracked and thus monitored from all angles.

rendering of the exterior

additional renderings

on the recently released video teaser, NAU comments: ‘the spec teaser reveals an evolution in computing interaction, within a setting inspired by the penultimate scene from stanley kubrick’s 2001: a space odyssey and starring that film’s lead actor, keir dullea. ‘2011’ was developed over a two year period. live action was filmed multi-camera, against a green screen atop a backlit plexi floor ([and] on a shoestring budget). dullea was then integrated into an entirely digitally created CG set rendered at 1080HD."

teaser video, featuring actor keir dullea of stanley kubrick’s ‘2001: a space odyssey’, on which the teaser is based

concept of interior

example uses for the ‘cocoon’ include (clockwise from top left): interactive learning, guided training, communication and work, audiovisual relaxation, gaming