At the Port of Rotterdam visitor centre, Portlantis, the Helios Experience is captivating guests through dynamic lighting and effects created by Piet-Harm Sterk, using technology from Pharos Architectural Controls.
The Helios Experience offers an immersive exploration of the imaginary company Helios Concepts, a highly innovative business in the Dutch port of Rotterdam. This experiential tour provides a glimpse into the company’s state-of-the-art workshop and showcases the latest designs and innovations that are revolutionising port logistics.
During the development of Portlantis, space was reserved for an immersive attraction, with the tender process for this element managed separately. While construction of Portlantis was underway, the Port Authority received a special bequest from a former port employee who wanted to use his legacy to promote the port. This generous contribution provided the funding required to fulfil the project, with the result being the Helios Experience.
SemMika, the technical and production specialist company led by Rutger van Dijk, was appointed from the initial conceptual phase as the AV and show control designer. Working as part of a collaborative project team, SemMika specified Pharos to provide the control solutions needed to bring the project to life, while Simworx was commissioned as the 4D cinema system integrator, including the delivery of the control system.
The design brief was to create a dark ride with 4D cinema seats, giving visitors a virtual tour of the port. The entire show – comprising of a pre-show, main experience, and exit sequence, including all technical components, had to be fully automated and precisely timed, operating entirely without on-site operators or visitor guides. All functionality would be centrally managed via Show Control.
The entire show is controlled by two Pharos Designer LPCs (Lighting Playback Controllers). One of these operates as the main controller, responsible for logistics such as doors and visitor flow, while the other one manages traditional show control tasks, including the control of lighting, sound, and video.
The dual-LPC setup had proven successful in a similar installation – the Rexperience museum exhibit at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center – making it a natural choice for the Helios Experience.
Supporting the LPCs are four Pharos Designer RIO 44s (Remote Input Output 44) which control and monitor the automatic sliding doors and the Simworx 4D cinema installation. The RIO modules offer a flexible and scalable way to expand the Pharos Designer system for advanced show control and system integration.
All video and audio control equipment is controlled on the network. Three 8” Pharos Designer TPS (Touch Panel Station) control panels have been specified and integrated into the system, enabling seamless and straightforward operation. This solution offers a spacious and elegant interface with a customisable, 8” capacitive touchscreen, fully compatible with all Pharos Designer controllers.
The project was carried out in a relatively confined space, which not only required extensive interior construction but also structural and technical installation modifications. Adding to the complexity, the installation was underway while the rest of the Portlantis building was already in the finishing phase. This understandably required very careful project management and tight planning.
As the project progressed, Rutger van Dijk was appointed general project manager for the full implementation of the experience – overseeing structural and technical modifications to the building, and coordinating the diverse team of designers, content creators, AV and 4D cinema installers, and interior design specialists.
Towards the end of the construction process, Rutger also took on responsibility for configuring and programming the entire Pharos show control system, ensuring seamless integration across all elements.
Rutger van Dijk, director of SemMika, said: “The Helios Experience is an ambitious project that utilises lighting and AV effects to deliver a special experience. Visitors can really immerse themselves in the story of Helios, thanks primarily to the 4D virtual tour of the port.
“For me, Pharos was the only partner for this project. Their range of solutions, that deliver outstanding results, yet are easy to commission and operate, was an integral part of the smooth running of this installation. The results are incredibly impressive.”
Bas Hoksbergen, Business Development Director at Pharos Architectural Controls, added: “The Helios Experience has added an impressive new dynamic to the already captivating Portlantis exhibition. The 4D tour is engaging, educational and fun. Having seen our technology work perfectly in the main exhibition, it is a testament to our solutions that they are now controlling the intricate effects of the Helios Experience as well.”
Through the collaboration between SemMika and Pharos, the Helios Experience stands as a shining example of how innovative control technologies and creative storytelling can transform visitor engagement – bringing the energy and ambition of the Port of Rotterdam to life like never before.
Project Credits
Client: Port of Rotterdam
Lighting and Show Controls: Pharos Architectural Controls
Concept & Art Direction: Piet-Harm Sterk
Spatial Design & Lighting Design: Koen Steger
Sound Design: Studio Turbo
Project Management, AV Design & Show Control Programming: Rutger van Dijk, SemMika
4D Cinema & AV System Integrator: Simworx
Set Building & Lighting Installation: Fiction Factory
Film: Bind
Film Production: Constant van Panhuys
Music: Alexander Reumers
Pre-show Direction: Norbert ter Hall
Actor: Kiefer Zwart
Direction: Orfix
3D Mapping: Metmen
VFX: The Lads
Photography: Jaap Beyleveld
