Atlanta, GA, USA — Atlanta-based customer activation company, edg, recently completed the installation of AngryBirds Space Encounter at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex– marking the first full-scale Angry Birds attraction in the U.S. and the culmination of a partnership with Rovio and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex that developed during the 2012 IAAPA show in Orlando last November.
The 4,485 square-foot Angry Birds Space Encounter attraction, featuring six separate interactive stations, provided many creative opportunities, as well as a few challenges, for Rick Clark, partner and head of edg’s design and fabrication studio. Clark and his team incorporated laser technology, augmented reality and interactive digital elements, and plenty of LED-based lighting effects to ensure that visitors to the attraction would be amazed and engaged.
The biggest challenge facing edg was going from a handshake agreement and a completely blank slate to fully operational attraction in under four months. Clark and his team proved they were up to the task.
Design work for the attraction began in early December, with all elements receiving full client approval in mid-January. By Feb. 1, edg began fabricating the various physical elements of the exhibit at its 70,000 sq. ft. facilities. Even as the last elements were being completed at edg’s shop, the company’s installation team was on site mid-March to begin assembling the attraction, completing it just in time for its grand opening on March 22.
“I’m proud of how our team came together to create an interactive experience that is both entertaining and educational,” said Clark. “We pulled out all the stops to ensure that the exhibit would meet both Rovio’s and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s high standards for quality, while providing visitors with a unique and fun experience.”
Based on early feedback, it appears edg achieved its goal.
“Angry Birds Space Encounter opened with rave reviews from our guests, especially families and children. The edg team did an excellent job of bringing to life the space adventures and characters of the Angry Birds Space digital game in an educational and entertaining way. The attraction blends science and fun, supporting our mission to tell the NASA story and inspire people of all ages about space exploration,” said John Stine, director of sales and events at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.