The Winter Olympics of Sochi, Russia, are around the corner and the general partner of the event is MegaFon, one of Russia’s largest telecoms companies. To engage the public and make them feel part fo the event, London-based architect Khan was invited to develop an interactive installation.
To the promotional stunt, Khan designed a giant 3D screen in the façade of a 200 sqm pavilion titled MegaFaces.The pavilion is connected to selected MegaFon stores spread around Russia through three-dimensional photo booth to scan visitor’s portraits, which are then recreated by the pavilion in a somewhat sculptural form.
In total five images of each visitor will be captured simultaneously from slightly different angles to assemble the three-dimensional portrait that will be displayed for 20 seconds.
Visitors will also take the experience with them, since they receive a personal video of their 20 seconds of fame in case they weren’t able to view their portrait come alive in real time.
The pavilion’s façade is designed to function like a huge pin screen. Once a visitor’s portrait has been taken, the multiple actuators transform the building’s “skin” into a three-dimensional portrait of each visitor. The concept is to give everyone the opportunity to be the face of the Olympics, says Khan.
MegaFaces Pavilion opens on Feb. 7th, will be situated at the entrance to the Olympic Park and incorporates an exhibition hall, hospitality areas, a rooftop viewing deck and two broadcasting suits.
About the Winter Olympic Games of 2014:
The XXII Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are scheduled to take place from 6 to 23 February 2014, in Sochi, Russia, with some events held in the resort town of Krasnaya Polyana. Ninety-eight events in fifteen winter sports will be held. The Sochi Olympics will be the first Olympics in the Russian Federation since the breakup of the USSR.
