By Linita Masters
On Friday evening, July 15, 2016, The Hettema Group, specializing in themed architecture, exhibit design, media design, master planning, & live shows, transformed Union Station’s South Courtyard into a 4-D immersive multimedia experience they have entitled, Union Station 360°. The experimental design firm uses cinematic projections, a floating Sky Screen and visual and aural elements that electrify the senses.
“As a native Angeleno, I wanted to create an immersive experience which celebrated the amazing rich diversity of life in Los Angeles.” – Phil Hettema (The Hettema Group)
As you approach the South Courtyard from Unions Station’s historic and opulent waiting area, the courtyard wall and entry doors frame the 8-foot glowing orb that is located in the center of the courtyard. The interactive orb allows you to control and interact with the images being projected on it as well as the images projected overhead on the Sky Screen.
The orb and sky screen project a variety of images that depict scenes unique to Los Angeles, along with a Hollywood theme. The imagery highlights LA’s street art, transportation and diversity. The images are energized by the original soundtrack created by composer Andy Garfield. The compositions range from the pulsating sounds of EDM to some calmer classic instrumental sounds.
There were visitors of all ages, genders and colors pushing and spinning the interactive orb , changing the scenes and the colors and most importantly, interacting with each other. Even searching for Pokeman couldn’t distract the crowd from the exillerating music and light show that surrounded them.
Phil Hettema of The Hettema Group, creators of Union Station 360°, shared with me what he wanted people to walk away saying or feeling after the experience,
“Our first goal is always that our audience just has a good time… beyond that, hopefully they’ll say “I‘ve never seen and heard anything like that before”, and also to be reminded that we actually do have a metro transportation system here in L.A. that connects you to a pretty incredible array of experience and culture.”
Union Station 360° uses images and sounds that are reflective of the ying and yang of Union Station and downtown Los Angeles, where the contemporary sits alongside the historic giving Angelenos a unique playground to explore.
Bring your family and friends out for some evening summertime fun … and did I mention its FREE. The event runs through July 24 from 8PM-Midnight.
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