A virtual reality experience of being in national parks and preserves of the American Southwest — making nature's soundscapes accessible to all.
About EcoRift
EcoRift is a virtual reality initiative developed by AELab that immerses users in the sonic and visual environments of American Southwest national parks and preserves. Using full 360-degree spherical visual and acoustic recordings, EcoRift employs head-tracking technology to synchronize an auditory and visual point of view — placing the user inside the environment as if they were physically present.
The system has been designed to be deployed in park visitor centers, hospitals, care facilities, galleries, festivals, and international venues — wherever people might benefit from a rich, immersive encounter with natural environments they cannot easily access in person.
EcoRift raises profound questions about how digital technology and rich media environments can be used to reassess our value systems and develop a better understanding of national parks' precious, yet fragile ecosystems.
Presentations
EcoRift was showcased at SxSW Eco, one of the world's leading environmental innovation conferences, demonstrating the potential of immersive media for environmental engagement.
AELab presented EcoRift at the United Nations, highlighting the role of technology in connecting global audiences with threatened natural environments.
EcoRift was featured at ASU's Cronkite Innovation Day in 2017, connecting the project to a broad public audience across the university community.
Future Directions
Future iterations of EcoRift will enable users to capture and share their own audio-visual experiences from parks, preserves, and natural areas. This community-contributed content will expand the archive of sonic environments available through the platform — transforming EcoRift from a one-way delivery system into a participatory platform for environmental listening and storytelling.
This development aligns with AELab's commitment to community engagement and its belief that environmental stewardship grows from personal encounter with the natural world.
EcoRift is available for deployment in galleries, festivals, hospitals, care facilities, and community venues. Contact AELab to discuss possibilities.
Contact AELab