Johnson Controls OpenBlue Innovation Center-Milwaukee

Virtual reality, interactivity and experiential technologies create an immersive space to showcase smart building technology.

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INTRODUCTION

Johnson Controls is a world leader in smart buildings, creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces. Supported by OpenBlue suite of digital solutions, AI-infused services, and an ecosystem of leading technology partners, these centers show how we’re creating value for customers and tackling tomorrow’s biggest challenges today.

Part of a global network of innovation centers, the OpenBlue Innovation Center is an immersive, experiential space designed to showcase the company’s technologies and demonstrate product benefits in an engaging, interactive way. The Center incorporates virtual reality, interactivity and other experiential technologies in a space that includes five portals, a Welcome Wall, the Open Globe, three pods and a Theater.

Electrosonic collaborated with Fivestone Studios, Hyperquake, Nanolumens, Pixera and other partners to develop, integrate and support an experiential technology solution that creates a dramatic, first-hand demonstration of OpenBlue as the ‘blueprint of the future for smart buildings.'

OVERVIEW

Visitors first embark on their journey stepping through a series of five portals where sound and light interactions set the stage. Upon entering the main space, a large welcoming screen awaits with personalized greetings, extending a warm invitation into the realm of innovation.

Inside the Open Globe, two curved video walls command attention. The left screen presents products in engaging 'sizzle reels', while a touchscreen pedestal guides visitors through layers of content, seamlessly unveiling OpenBlue solutions.

Adjacent to the right screen, an interactive ‘projected book' offers visitors an immersive hands-on product experience with RFID technology enabling animated projections as visitors scroll through pages.

Three modular Pods provide a unique canvas to showcase the company’s diverse range of products. In one Pod, a virtual reality experience enables visitors to engage with OpenBlue technology in realistic environments. Another Pod features an interactive 40-point touch table where visitors can explore products in depth.

In the Theater, live or pre-recorded presentations explore the future of smart buildings. An interactive virtual tour of the Johnson Controls campus is also available for visitors to see OpenBlue technology in action.

CHALLENGE

This ambitious project brought together a team of experience designers, content producers, brand strategists, technology partners and integrators. Electrosonic’s role was to synthesize the contributors’ ideas, inputs and technical requirements to create a technology design solution that would deliver the client’s vision. The solution also had to be accessible and sustainable, while continuing to operate flawlessly in a space that is a live demonstration of the client’s capabilities.

SOLUTION

Electrosonic partnered with key contributors to develop an audiovisual and control solution that aligns with the design intent for the space. We also selected and procured the equipment, before installing and integrating all the systems.

Seamless collaboration and effective project management throughout enabled delivery on time and on budget. Electrosonic’s proactive support and help desk services ensure that the solution will continue to operate reliably and efficiently.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The technology solution for the OpenBlue Innovation Center Milwaukee enables Johnson Controls to present its global capabilities and diverse product portfolio in a fun, immersive and engaging way. Customers and employees can experience the ‘blueprint of the future for smart buildings’ in a unique, highly personalized environment. Collaboration was key to delivering the ambitious, wide-ranging contributions of the partners throughout the project.

Project Details

Client

Johnson Controls

Location

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Size

1800 sq.ft

Partners

Fivestone Studios, Hyperquake, Nanolumens and Pixera

Services

Technology Design Consulting

Build & System Integration

Audio, Video & Control Systems

Communications & Media Walls

Immersive Technologies

Specialty Projection

Audio & Acoustics

Managed Services

Electrosonic had the right partners, knowledge and expertise for the project. Working together as one team we were able to curate a journey that unveils the versatility and adaptability of OpenBlue smart building technology, addressing unique industry issues and demonstrating our dedication to leading the evolution of digital buildings. The space inspires the way our customers design, operate and maintain their indoor environments, and drive value for their business. The Innovation Center gives us the opportunity to show our customers, employees and the community what we can do to help make their facilities and the environment smarter, safer, more sustainable and comfortable.

Chris Bontempo

Chief Marketing Officer, Johnson Controls

Content portals Five portals depict industry market segments where Johnson Controls has the solutions, experience and expertise to support the outcomes that are most important to those organizations.

Global insights An interactive ‘Globe Explorer’ reveals locations of customer sites, innovation centers and partner sites around the world.

Hands on experience A virtual reality experience enables visitors to engage with products in realistic environments while other guests watch the VR experience on a large screen.