Many people regard virtual and augmented reality art as powerful tools for getting a message across, and the things it can do range from bringing extinct animals to life to bringing climate change to light.

As for an exhibit in New York City, it’s the latter that inspired an artist to harness the power of AR and VR.

Virtual & Augmented Reality Art Exhibit in New York Lets You Visualize the Effects of Climate Change

The virtual and augmented reality exhibit ‘Arcadia Earth’ founded by artist Valentino Vettori enlightens visitors on climate change through an immersive experience. 

According to a report on Reuters, visitors may wander around the exhibit wearing a headset “that brings installations to life”, touring and learning about ecosystems and environmental issues with the HoloLens. In a video, a CGTN America reporter shows being able to check your carbon footprint with AR technology and travel to the Savannah with VR.

However, much of Arcadia Earth contains installations not powered by technology, adhering to more traditional ways of displaying art. 

One room even contains 44,000 plastic bags, representing “the amount used in New York state every minute before the plastic bag ban,” Reuters says.

Reuters also reports that Vettori said, “I have kids and I feel the responsibility to do something for their future. Today, if we don’t do something, there will be a challenging future. And I want to make sure that I’m one of those people that will stand by the fact that we try everything we can.”

Arcadia Earth has recently opened a branch in Las Vegas, KNTV reports.

How Virtual & Augmented Reality Art Assists in Teaching Learners

While not representative of what AR and VR can do, Arcadia Earth remains an engaging tool for learning. It demonstrates how virtual and augmented reality can be instrumental in getting people interested in issues like climate change. 

The exhibit supports a 2018 study on augmented reality and environmental education, which reveals how this technology significantly aids in learning.

Through Vuforia and Unity development, the researchers created augmented reality-powered applications that explain energy sources and climate change in 3D.

The results showed how “the cognitive performance of students in primary schools is reinforced by the AR tool,” the study says. It further notes students had an overall positive experience and were receptive to the technology.

This kind of finding is already unsurprising to us. Time and again, studies have had similar conclusions, further demonstrating just how powerful and beneficial AR is in learning.

The same principles apply to VR art and e-learning courses, too. In a previous blog post, we discussed how VR improves recall and how its immersiveness contributes to the learning experience. Perhaps the only limitation that separates VR from being as accessible as AR is the former’s need for additional gear. But there are ways to make VR accessible to learners, and it can be as simple as using cardboard as your headset. 

Teaching can be as fun as it is informative. And educating the public on important issues like climate change (whether through an exhibit or an augmented reality application) is a matter of capturing your audience’s attention with the right technology.

In Summary

The New York-based exhibit ‘Arcadia Earth’ uses technology like virtual and augmented reality to educate visitors on the issue of climate change.

It’s a testament to how VR and AR are effective and creative tools for teaching and communicating messages that matter.

For virtual or augmented reality art that leaves an impact, work with NarraSoft and partner with some of the best 3D artists in the industry. Don’t hesitate to contact us at sales@narrasoft.com. You may also send us a message using our chat box or contact form for any inquiries and a free consultation.

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