Invisible Superheroes exhibition

A new interactive virtual experience was unveiled by ICE in February 2018, allowing visitors to explore the ICE 200 Invisible Superheroes exhibition from anywhere.

The exhibition, which was featured on BBC News and is part of ICE's 200th anniversary activities, features real-life engineers as cartoon superheroes who are battling to save the planet from dangers such as climate change, flooding and the spread of disease.

The interactive virtual experience was created by BAM Nuttall and uses a state-of-the-art Matterport camera to create an interactive 3D map of the exhibition, similar to how Google street view maps work.

Supported by Tideway, the exhibition tells the story of how civil engineers help transform lives, shape the world in which we live, and safeguard the future. Characters from the past and present include Thomas Telford, Joseph Bazalgette, Dr Ellie Cosgrave, and Andy Mitchell, CEO of Tideway.

Bam Nuttall's Head of Innovation Colin Evison said:

"BAM Nuttall has used the Matterport technology over a wide range of environments, including on civil engineering projects, and we're keen to share the potential benefits. We are delighted to support ICE and the Invisible Superheroes exhibition, using this technology to create a unique virtual visit experience and offering an immediate and visual example of engineering innovation."

Atkins Director and ICE Fellow Dr Anne Kemp, who appears in the exhibition as Digital Dynamo, adds:

"With our planet facing unprecedented challenges, such as climate change and a rising global population, civil engineers are the 'invisible superheroes' who are working to transform our lives and keep us safe.

"Demonstrating clever engineering in action, our 3D walkthrough will transport people from anywhere in the world to the heart of our exhibition. Designed to inspire the imaginations of everyone, young and old, we hope this exhibition will entertain and educate kids this half term – from anywhere."

The exhibition is free to attend and open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, at the Infrastructure Learning Hub at One Great George Street, London.

This article was originally published here by ICE on 8 February 2018. It was written by Simon Barney.

--The Institution of Civil Engineers