A look at the innovation behind an immersive rainforest experience

In the heart of Medellín, Colombia, the bustling Parque Empresarial El Tesoro shopping mall is home to a groundbreaking project that merges art, technology, and environmental awareness in a way never before seen in the country.  

The project, aptly named “La Selva” (The Rainforest), is an immersive experience that takes visitors on a journey through the Colombian rainforests—one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. This ambitious initiative is the brainchild of Lonko Labs, a creative powerhouse led by Vito Abarzúa, and it's brought to life with our HS Series laser projectors. 

The vision behind La Selva 

Colombia’s rainforests cover over a third of the country’s territory and are home to an astonishing variety of plant, fungi, and animal life. Yet, these vital ecosystems face increasing threats from deforestation, climate change, and other environmental challenges. The need to raise awareness and foster a deeper connection between people and these natural wonders has never been more critical. 

This is where “La Selva” comes in. More than just a visual spectacle, it's an educational experience designed to inspire conservation efforts by immersing visitors in a realistic and interactive simulation of the Colombian rainforest. Lonko Labs’ idea was to create an environment where people could not only see but also feel and hear the life of the rainforest around them—a fully immersive experience that could evoke an emotional response and a lasting appreciation for nature. 

To achieve this, Lonko Labs turned to us. The decision to use Christie^® projectors was not just a technical choice but a deeply personal one for Vito Abarzúa, the founder and director of Lonko Labs. 

The role of Christie projectors in La Selva 

The geodesic dome housing La Selva is an architectural marvel. With a diameter of 43′ (13m) and a height of 28′ (8.5m), the dome's interior offers a vast projection canvas. The exterior resembles a traditional maloca, a communal house traditionally used by Amazonian Indigenous groups, while the interior is a technological wonder. Inside, six HS Series 1DLP laser projectors create a seamless 360-degree image across a 265-square-meter (2,852 square foot) surface. The result is a breathtaking 3500 x 3500-pixel image that engulfs visitors in the sights and sounds of the rainforest. 

Vito Abarzúa’s relationship with Christie spans nearly two decades, where in 2005, he worked with Christie projectors in Chile for the first time.  

“Back then, I was impressed by their reliability and color accuracy compared to other brands,” recalls Abarzúa. “We used to load up a truck with different brands of equipment, and by the time we reached the next destination on our tour, while other brands often had convergence issues or began developing 'spots' on the LCD or DLP^® matrices, the Christie projectors remained spotless.” 

This experience cemented Abarzúa’s trust in Christie. Over the years, he continued to rely on Christie projectors for various projects across Latin America. He particularly remembers the period between 2012 and 2014, when he was involved in several high-profile projects.  

“We were given the opportunity to try out other equipment, and while our Christie Roadster 20K projectors performed flawlessly, the competitors’ projectors struggled with cooling issues due to high temperatures or power source failures in the humid conditions of Colombia’s coast,” says Abarzúa. 

These experiences reinforced his decision to make Christie the go-to brand for Lonko Labs. “The day I had the opportunity to choose our own equipment, I didn’t hesitate. It was Christie,” he affirms. 

Crafting an unconventional experience 

La Selva is more than just a technical achievement; it's a labor of love that involves the collective effort of over 100 people. Lonko Labs oversaw every aspect of the project, from creative art direction and 3D modeling to animation, geodesic dome infrastructure, and audiovisual integration. The content displayed within the dome was developed under the guidance of scientific experts to ensure its accuracy and authenticity, making the experience as educational as it is immersive. 

One of the project's most challenging and rewarding aspects was the 3D modeling of over 25 distinct elements of the flora and fauna. These models were not just digital representations but were designed to blend the boundaries between the real and the surreal. The team at Lonko Labs, under the careful guidance of an expert biologist and a renowned science communicator, developed complex models from scratch, including species like the matamata turtle and the "osito trueno" (thunder bear). 

Equally important to the visual experience is the original musical score accompanying guests through La Selva. The musicalization was an expansive process that involved a diverse group of guest musicians and a wide array of instruments, all recorded individually in the studio. The soundscape features flutes and ocarinas to marimbas and acoustic drums from Colombia’s Pacific coast. This rich, handcrafted soundtrack does more than set the mood — it also creates the natural sound effects that make the rainforest environment feel so real. 

The impact of La Selva 

Since its opening, La Selva has captivated visitors with its powerful storytelling and immersive design. It serves as a reminder of the pristine nature of the Colombian rainforests and the urgent need to protect them. Through this project, Lonko Labs has not only created an unforgettable experience but has also set a new standard for immersive educational exhibits in Colombia and beyond. 

For Vito Abarzúa and his team, La Selva is the culmination of years of dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with technology and creativity. It's also a testament to the importance of reliable partners, like Christie, whose projectors have consistently delivered the quality and performance needed to bring such visionary projects to life.