A virtual ecosystem that coexists in the space of
National Australia Bank’s Academy in Melbourne.



When NAB created a new learning centre, the Academy,
at its national headquarters in Melbourne’s Docklands,
they asked us to find a way to make inspiration,
creativity, and transformation in the building itself. We
responded with the Parallel Wilderness – a virtual forest
that lives within and alongside the physical building and
its inhabitants.

The Wilderness has become an integral part of NAB's
vision for their Academies. Building on the success of
the first site, we look forward to following the natural
evolution from one living building to many, creating a
living brand.



Just like the ‘real’ world, our Wilderness is programmed
with shifting light and weather patterns and teeming
with native Australian wildlife. On a morning where fog
settles amongst the trees, the day might bring rain. In
the evening the warm glow of sunset lights the scene.



The Parallel Wilderness uses real-time 3D projections
integrated into the facades of the Academy to give
visitors a glimpse into this parallel world. Motion-sensing
cameras allow the environment and the creatures in it
to ‘see’ the people they share the space with. Stand
next to a tree long enough, and the local wildlife will
settle on a branch for a better look at you.



This is the beginning of a revolution in interior design where the environment isn't limited to the building’s physical structure, but can be enhanced and added to at any time. The door is open for more parallel worlds to pop up in the buildings where people work, live and interact.