For its new hippopotamus habitat, Zoo de Granby asked Version 10 to create an immersive experience centered around the wondrous world of hippos. The integration of digital content within the hippopotamus pavilion is presented through three key components:
1. A giant immersive projection featuring a larger-than-life audiovisual montage
This immersive visual and sound experience, designed and produced by Simon Carpentier—an internationally recognized artist known for his musical compositions with Cirque du Soleil—surrounds visitors with a breathtaking atmosphere. The 17-minute experience explores the hippopotamus, its habitat, the animal species it lives alongside, and the hippo’s presence in popular culture. The custom soundtrack, inspired by the unique sounds hippos use to communicate—both above and underwater—was composed by Simon himself. The video is projected using five projectors across a 52-foot-wide surface along the corridor facing the hippo pool.
2. A playful interactive experience on touchscreen kiosks
Mini-games based on key traits of the hippopotamus allow visitors to explore themes such as its ecosystem, food chain, and territorial confrontations.
3. The HIPPO “Croque-fort” strength game
Visitors are invited to test their own physical strength against that of a hippo’s jaw using robust mechanical levers. Sensors that measure the force applied to the levers send data to a microcontroller. A strength gauge—reminiscent of the classic carnival hammer game—displays the player’s score on screen. A personalized conclusion compares each player’s strength to that of other well-known animals.
