Windows Into the Woods

The installation brings nature into the heart of Roche’s research center. The images show sections of a forest. Light filters through the trees, whilst a rich soundscape creates a natural atmosphere. Thanks to sensors and sophisticated image making techniques, the actual weather conditions outside – such as sunshine, wind, rain or snow – can be experienced on the screen.

The four buildings of Roche’s research center are connected by a covered hallway. It runs from north-east to south-west and is flanked by our installation, with two pairs of projection surfaces facing each other. The content is precisely tailored to the hallway’s geographical location, so that throughout the year the position of the sun in the projected forest corresponds to the position of the sun on site in Basel.

As days and seasons progress, the installation captivates viewers with subtle changes to the natural scenery. This transformation is based on local weather data which influence the weather conditions in the image, with rain and snow seamlessly integrated as computer-generated layers into the video of the forest.

In addition to the ‘Forest Mode’, which exudes a natural sense of tranquillity, the installation offers two additional modes. ‘Science Pictures’ displays a giant strand of DNA containing interactive elements. When staff members pause in front of the projection, oversized microscopic images from their research appear. In ‘Patient Stories’ mode real patients have their say, reminding us of the vital importance of Roche's research for thousands of people.