Sunderland to launch immersive smart city screen

She added: “The immersive nature of the structure itself will bring to life amazing displays and interactive exhibitions that really capture the imagination. The expansive size of the screen that stands above will enable us to develop captivating content that will seemingly float in the air above the house, offering a truly thrilling experience.

“We want to showcase pioneering smart concepts for the future home in Sunderland in a building that pushes boundaries and sparks imagination. By presenting innovative ideas into spaces to live, work and play; we are creating a blueprint that adapts to the needs of residents while harmonising with the urban landscape of the future.

“This aligns seamlessly with our Expo plans and the transformational effect Riverside Sunderland’s vision has to offer thousands of people, as well as trailblazing the future content of Culture House, which will open its doors in 2025.” 

The pavilion is large enough to house a full-sized vehicle, with computer-generated illustrations (CGIs) showing an electric Nissan car parked in a large glass space on the ground floor. The structure stands a stone’s throw from the location of Culture House, currently under construction and set to “spark imagination and foster innovation” when it opens, with immersive, interactive and digitally powered exhibitions.  

“We want to showcase pioneering smart concepts for the future home in Sunderland in a building that pushes boundaries and sparks imagination”

Richard Marsden, managing director of architecture, civil and structural engineering firm BDN, said: “It’s been great to shape these exciting plans with the team at the council and to think creatively about the art of the possible within Sunderland Pavilion.  

“To have the opportunity to design a space that will be enjoyed by local families – including my own – and visitors to Sunderland is something we’re really proud to support, as a business that is based, and investing, in the city.” 

The funding for the giant digital screen on the building forms part of the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) ‘5G Innovation Regions (5GIR)’ £37m grant, of which the seven North East local authorities (LA7) successfully bid to receive more than £3.7m to support this and three other 5G and advanced wireless connectivity projects across the North East.

The project is being delivered in partnership with the City’s joint venture partner Boldyn Networks, which is providing the screens and networking capabilities for real-time broadcast.