teamLab’s Sketch Aquarium
In making things that combines science, technology, design and art, one of the IT companies most notable in Japan now for doing so is teamLab. “Learn! Amusement Park of the Future”, a project created by them for children, was held in various parts of Japan, garnering rave reviews. In this project, children are encouraged to move their bodies in front of the latest technology-leading device to experience the creation of an art space. Sketch Aquarium is one representative attraction of the project.
Against the wall of a dim hall is an undersea world of swaying seaweeds and beautiful coral reef. Paper drawings of sharks, jellyfish, and squids, among others are prepared for them to use crayons to colour as they wish. By scanning their works, the creatures that they have just designed will start to appear in the sea on the wall, swimming around freely. The fish respond to touches and it is possible to make them change their swimming direction and feed them. Besides the children, the accompanying adults also become engrossed, colouring the fish themselves, pointing to them and teaching after they are scanned in, enjoying each other’s works, and so forth, making the scene bustle with life. A never before seen virtual aquarium filled with colourful fish swimming has finally appeared.
