Kevin McCrae, CD and Founder at Playdead in Glasgow: “Life Beyond Earth is an immersive film created in collaboration with Skidmore, Owings and Merrell, and the European Space Agency for their powerful new installation at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.

“The brief was to bring to life Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and the European Space Agency’s concept of a Moon Village, taking viewers on a journey from the Earth to the Moon, communicating not only the complexities of the design but to show the Moon Village in operation, while at the same time answering the central theme of the Biennale Architettura 2021 — “How will we live together?”

“The Moon Village project itself is the result of a multidisciplinary initiative launched by ESA and was developed in collaboration with MIT AeroAstro Professor and former NASA astronaut Jeffrey A. Hoffman and so the creation of the film was also a unique collaboration.

“Playdead was able to work closely with the SOM team, ESA, and Jeffrey A. Hoffman to elevate the film to not only an engaging visual spectacle but to something that could sit at the heart of the installation as a true glimpse into the future, taking that next step from concept to reality.

“The film, built entirely in CG utilizes hyper-realistic 3D environments; sophisticated design, modeling and animation of everything from space suits to Moon rovers; integrated motion capture and bespoke UI design.

“BXTYS’ stunning music and sound design add atmosphere and emotion, while we are truly honoured to have Jeffrey A. Hoffman lend his voice to the film.”
 

Client: European Space Agency

Client: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Designer Partner: Colin Koop
Project Manager: Michael Cascio
Lead Designer: Daniel Inocente, Georgi Petrov
Writer: David Vanderhoff
Graphic Designer: Nathan Bluestone
Translation: Camilla Pieretti

Production: Playdead
Director: Olaf Blomerus, Timo Noack
Creative Director: Kev McCrae
Managing Director: Pam Nelson
Senior Designer: Dan Harper
Account Manager: Tita Ortega
UI Designer: Ross Sneddon
3D Artist: Craig Simmers, Derek Heisler, Steve Jones
Character Animator: Luke Angus
3D Modeller: Lucas Salamon
Additional 3D Modelling: Jesus Montesinos
Unreal Engine Artist: Andy Ross
Concept Designer/Character Artist: Antonio Esparza

Music/Sound Design: BXFTYS