Graham Center AR Mural (In Progress)

The Graham Center AR Mural Project is an ongoing endeavor at Florida International University (FIU), designed to infuse vibrancy and interactivity into the heart of the FIU student center. This cutting-edge art installation integrates augmented reality (AR) features to create an immersive and evolving experience for students. This case study explores the development and current progress of this innovative project, highlighting the transformative impact it promises to have on campus life.

Project Overview

The Graham Center AR Mural Project is a multifaceted undertaking, with key responsibilities including:

  1. Mural Design: The project's initiator assumed the role of mural designer, conceptualizing and visualizing the artwork that would serve as the canvas for the AR features.
  2. AR Development: Leveraging Meta Spark Studio, the AR features of the mural were meticulously crafted to enable students to interact with the artwork in various captivating ways.
  3. Segmented Experience: The mural is divided into distinct sections, each offering students a unique experience. These segments include the "Calendar of Events" for exploring FIU activities, the "FIU Fight Song" and "History" sections that showcase the university's rich heritage and culture.
  4. Seasonal Transformation: A standout feature of the mural is its adaptability to the time of year. During significant events like Commencement and Convocation, it dynamically highlights content related to graduation. During Spring Break and Summer, it shifts to display vibrant and playful themes, ensuring continual engagement.

Achievements (In Progress)

  1. Cutting-Edge Technology: The Graham Center AR Mural Project underscores the ability to harness cutting-edge technologies and apply them to real-world applications, thereby enhancing the campus experience.
  2. Technical Proficiency: The project highlights expertise in AR development, project management, and user experience design, exemplifying a holistic skill set.
  3. Positive Feedback: Early feedback from the FIU community has been overwhelmingly positive. The mural is fast becoming a central and interactive focal point on the MMC campus, serving as an engaging tool for students to connect with FIU and stay informed about campus activities.

Current Progress

As of the latest update, the Graham Center AR Mural Project is advancing towards completion. The mural's design has been realized, and the AR features are being fine-tuned to ensure seamless interaction. User testing and feedback collection are ongoing to refine the user experience further. The project is on track to become a vibrant and dynamic addition to the FIU campus.

Conclusion

The Graham Center AR Mural Project represents an exciting innovation in campus art installations, one that combines artistry with cutting-edge technology to create an engaging and ever-evolving experience for students. As the project nears completion, it continues to demonstrate the ability to work with advanced technologies and apply them to enhance real-world environments. By integrating AR into the mural's design, the project achieves a harmonious blend of art, technology, and campus culture. This immersive and interactive tool promises to foster stronger connections between students and FIU while serving as a testament to the university's commitment to innovation and engagement. With the project gaining momentum and the enthusiastic response from the FIU community, the Graham Center AR Mural is poised to become a cherished and dynamic addition to campus life.

Client:Ernest R. Graham Center

Role:AR EngineerContent StrategistUX DesignerProject Manager3D Modeler

Tools: Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Cinema4D Meta Spark Studio

Development:Javascript