Category
VR
Year
2024
A multisensory VR experience
We are thrilled to present our latest project, “The Exceptional Voyage,” a groundbreaking immersive experience developed in collaboration with xydrobe for Harrods and Vacheron Constantin. This multisensory VR experience is set in the luxurious environment of Harrods, celebrating the rich history and partnership between these iconic brands. This experience invites guests to explore the hidden corners of Harrods through the craftsmanship of Vacheron Constantin, brought to life with state-of-the-art 4D storytelling technology.
Featured in
Blending reality with imagination
Our team was tasked with creating a 10-minute, 360-degree VR animation that would be the heart of this unique experience. We worked closely with xydrobe, who handled the physical location, concept, and storyboarding. The VR cinema they built inside Harrods can accommodate up to 20 guests and uses top-tier VR headsets while creating tactile sensations of wind, temperature, surround sound, and a range of scents for a fully immersive experience.
VR cinema in Harrods
Source: ©Sybarite – xydrobe at Harrods – photo by Sandra Ciampone
Storyboard and reference photos taken on location
From storyboard to immersive experience
Being at the forefront of the project, we led the modeling, texturing, and rendering of the 3D environment, and crafted all the animations and visual effects. We integrated iconic elements from Harrods, including the elevator, the vault, the Egyptian ceiling, and the rooftop helicopter platform, turning them into key scenes. The fact that these locations are usually off-limits to the public made the experience even more captivating. This resulted in a uniquely entertaining adventure blending reality with imagination.
The exceptional voyage, telling a story through experience
The Green Man, dressed in his bright green clothes and wearing a shiny Vacheron Constantin watch, gets into a cab. As the city streets pass by, he falls into a deep sleep. In his dream, his journey begins by traveling through the mechanism of his Vacheron Constantin watch, finding himself in a room filled with delicious baked goods, including exotic fruits. In the food hall the viewer steps into the shoes of the Green Man, becoming the one who embarks on the experience. Next, you enter the vault of Harrods and then step into the iconic elevator featuring a Vacheron watch that indicates the floors as you continue your journey.
Each stop on the way up reveals a new world: first, you visit the headquarters of Vacheron Constantin in Genève, then wander through desert dunes surrounded by giant lions. As you ascend to the rooftop of Harrods you meet Henry, the 175th anniversary edition bear sitting in a helicopter that welcomes you in and takes you up into the skies, where you explore new horizons and galaxies. Eventually, you zoom back into the mechanism of the watch and the Green Man wakes up. Everything feels and looks so real, that you don’t know this whole adventure has been a dream. And what a dream – one to remember!
Pushing boundaries within a challenging timeline
One of the main challenges was the tight timeline—less than three months to complete the animation. Despite this, our team leveraged the power of Unreal Engine for 360-degree video rendering and used detailed reference images from site visits to ensure accuracy. The result is a visually stunning and immersive experience that exceeded the client’s expectations. We also learned valuable lessons in rendering techniques, particularly in creating realistic particle effects such as snow and sand.
Reference photos taken on location
175 Anniversary Edition Bear 2024 Henry
Setting a new benchmark
The positive feedback from visitors and the client’s confidence in our capabilities stand as a testament to the project’s success. This experience not only highlights the timeless elegance of Vacheron Constantin but also sets a new benchmark for immersive luxury retail experiences.
