Work
- Unity3D Programming
- Interaction Design
- UI/UX
Date
01/2017
Overview
FICO Eataly World in Bologna is one of the world’s largest parks dedicated to food culture and biodiversity, blending education, entertainment, and sensory experiences. As part of this ambitious initiative, we designed and developed three interactive installations that invite visitors to explore the deep connection between humans, food, and the environment. Conceived in collaboration with Clonwerk SRL, these installations form immersive multimedia carousels that merge storytelling, tactile interaction, and real-time feedback.
Design Philosophy
The goal of these installations was to transform complex food-related narratives into hands-on, interactive experiences accessible to a broad audience — from children to professionals. Built with Unity3D and integrated multimedia systems, each installation combines physical controls with real-time visualizations, making the learning process intuitive, playful, and memorable.
Man and Sea
“Man and Sea” projects the entire territory of Italy onto a large circular table. Around its perimeter are three physical rudders spaced evenly, inviting visitors to “sail” across Italy’s seas. By turning a rudder, a digital boat appears and responds to the visitor’s steering, enabling free exploration of maritime routes. Each station also features a dedicated monitor providing live information about navigation, sea regions, and types of fish traditionally caught in those waters. This immersive interaction connects visitors to Italy’s maritime heritage, encouraging them to discover, experiment, and learn by doing.
Man and the Bottle
“Man and the Bottle” takes inspiration from the traditional millstone to illustrate the processes behind harvesting, production, and bottling of oil, beer, and wine. Visitors rotate the mill arms clockwise, activating synchronized three-monitor displays on both sides. As they turn the mill, dynamic content unfolds, showing the journey from raw ingredients to finished products. This kinetic experience reinforces the physical connection between human labor and food production, making abstract supply chains tangible and engaging.
Technology and Interactivity
Both installations rely on real-time 3D rendering powered by Unity3D, with custom-built interaction logic and multimedia synchronization. Physical interfaces (rudders and mill arms) were engineered to provide haptic feedback and ensure robust performance under heavy public use. The system’s flexibility allows easy content updates, ensuring the installations remain relevant and adaptable for future educational campaigns.
Impact
The FICO installations exemplify how museums and theme parks can use interactive storytelling to deepen visitor engagement. By combining motion-based input, immersive visualization, and narrative-driven learning, these experiences transform passive observation into active participation, inspiring curiosity about Italy’s food traditions and sustainable practices.
