Case Study: Bridge To The Future
Bridging the Future is a new digital installation at the Dorman Museum that turns the museum’s dome into a place for animated storytelling. Using projection mapping, the piece takes visitors on a journey through Middlesbrough’s history, from the Jurassic landscape to industry, conflict and the town’s future. The project was shaped through community workshops and created in partnership with Middlesbrough Museums and Whippet Up CIC. TUCAN Studio led the animation and production, giving students hands on experience on a live public project.
Bridging the Future is a digital installation created for the Dorman Museum in Middlesbrough. It uses projection mapping to animate the museum’s dome above the Nelson Gallery and turn it into a place for immersive storytelling. Visitors can watch from the ground floor or from the upper walkway.
The experience takes people through Middlesbrough’s past, from the Jurassic landscape to the growth of local industry and the impact of World War II. It also looks ahead to what the town might look like in the far future. The content was shaped by ideas gathered through community workshops held across the town.
We added a motion sensor system that links directly to the projectors. The installation activates when someone enters the space, so the experience starts only when a visitor is present. This keeps the piece interactive and gives a sense of arrival as people step into the gallery.
The project was developed by TUCAN Studio at Teesside University in partnership with Middlesbrough Museums. Students were involved throughout, gaining real production experience while working on a live public installation. Creative input also came from Whippet Up CIC, who supported the community workshop process. Funding came from The Space, Arts Council England, Tees Valley Museums NPO and Middlesbrough Council.