KAZAKHSTAN: At the ALEM AI International Center for Artificial Intelligence in Astana, Kazakhstan, visitors encounter artificial intelligence through an experience built around immersive environments, interactive installations and projection-driven storytelling. Across more than 4,500 square metres of exhibition space, BARCO projection technology forms a key part of the visual infrastructure, transforming complex AI concepts into engaging experiences spanning immersive tunnels, cinematic environments, interactive zones and educational installations.

Conceived as a multifunctional exhibition and demonstration space, ALEM AI combines an interactive exhibition on the history of artificial intelligence with art installations, an immersive cinema, robotics zones, children’s areas and startup spaces. Rather than relying on static displays, the venue uses visual and multimedia scenarios as a core storytelling medium, placing considerable demands on image quality, system stability and projection precision.

Museum bureau Pitch and its partner SILA SVETA designed the exhibition environment, while system integrator Asimetrik KZ worked in close collaboration with projection equipment supplier Sound Creations to implement the visual system. The radial architecture of the EXPO-2017 pavilion presented an additional challenge, with complex projection surfaces and significant levels of natural light requiring a solution capable of maintaining image quality and visibility throughout the venue.

The resulting system combines Barco I-Series and G-Series professional laser phosphor DLP projectors, with eleven units of the I600-4K15, five units of the I600-4K8, one unit of the G50-W7, five units of the G100-W16 and 3 × G100-W19 deployed across the various exhibition environments.

At the heart of the installation, Barco’s I600-4K projectors provide the image detail, colour reproduction and visual depth required for content-rich environments including the Museum of Singularity and AI Cinema. The G100 projectors complement the system in areas where higher brightness is required, particularly those affected by the pavilion’s natural daylight.

The flexibility of the projection architecture is further supported by a range of lenses, from ultra-short-throw to mid-throw zoom configurations, allowing the system to accommodate different projection surfaces and spatial requirements while maintaining image geometry and integration with the architectural design. The approach enables the same visual infrastructure to support panoramic content, cinematic experiences and interactive applications across the centre.

The use of laser phosphor technology also supports the demands of continuous operation, while the combination of projector models and lens options allows the system to scale across different exhibition formats without compromising visual consistency.

Today, projection is embedded throughout the ALEM AI visitor journey, from immersive tunnels and cinematic environments to interactive children’s spaces. High-resolution visuals and responsive multimedia content help translate complex artificial intelligence concepts into experiences that are accessible to visitors across different age groups and interests.

The flexible infrastructure also gives ALEM AI room to evolve. As AI continues to develop, its projection-driven environments can accommodate refreshed content and new experiences, allowing the centre to continually update its storytelling and maintain its relevance as a destination exploring what comes next in artificial intelligence.