Introduction

The wishes and needs of the clients form the basis for the communication strategy and the creative design chosen for every project. The translation of the client’s message into an outstanding and attractive presentation for the intended audience happens when both parties are present together. In that way Ars Longa creates a unique world full of experiences which invite the visitors to absorb information.

For twenty years already Ars Longa has been developing and realising projects commissioned by museums, visitor centres, company’s and non-profit organisations, governmental institutions and organisations of public events. The possibility to produce the designs within the company itself has a positive effect on the costs and prices. Projects are therefore achievable within the available budget and always specifically made for the intended audience.


Concepts

Ars Longa delivers a customized product, appropriate to the communication strategy and context of the client’s organisation. The creative concepts precisely match their objectives and they are achievable visual designs, executed within the available budget and specifically made for the intended audience. Since the procedures become more and more effective, it has become possible that the product can be developed in close consultation with the client.

Ars Longa designs and realises the following attractions:
- Exhibitions and public presentations
- Interactive installations
- Multimedia exhibitions
- Experiences, 3D specials, theme events
- Animations
- Interactive routing systems, iPod applications
- Internet applications, games

Over the last twenty years Ars Longa has built up expertise in different design disciplines. The experience in spatial and graphic design exhibitions is extensive and especially in the field of multimedia, ‘experience’ exhibitions and interactive forms of presentation, Ars Longa has been very successful. A surprising design can namely make the visit to an exhibition an unforgettable experience. Multimedia exhibitions and ‘experiences’ are then the most effective communicative strategy for raising interest in a certain theme and connecting that with fascination or emotions. The interactivity of the means of presentation is a crucial characteristic in most of Ars Longa’s products, for it establishes a playful dialogue between the audience and the message that the client wants to get across. Ars Longa of course follows the latest developments in the field of interactivity, design, technology and communication. Through image manipulation and use of 3D animation programmes Ars Longa for instance visualises spatial designs in high realism. An eye for creative uses and combinations of various techniques results in the design of surprising multimedia communication products, from touch screens to web tools and educational games to multi-screen setups.

With each project Ars Longa puts together a creative team. By working together with co-workers from the trusted networks of suppliers, freelancers, scientists and specialists Ars Longa has the ability to execute concepts itself. In combination with a proper budget control this ensures that the client’s money is optimally used. Also, the client benefits from the experience and favourable pricing of certain products which is built up by the already developed applications and products.

Besides developing visual concepts Ars Longa also provides and takes care of the textual aspect of the exhibition. Additional content research and the writing and editing of texts and captions can for example be part of the client’s wishes. The form and contents will naturally be effectively adapted to the intended audiences. Ars Longa is also experienced in the development of educational materials and graphic designs such as posters, brochures or catalogues.


Exhibitions and public presentations

Ars Longa has much experience in the development of theme exhibitions, expositions, travelling exhibitions, visitor’s centres, educational spaces and many other forms of presentations. In all of them it develops inspiring exhibitions and special presentations, which all focus on the subject from surprising angles. The content of the message the exhibition tries to convey is translated into an attractive story and visualised by a spatial presentation. Thinking along with the client to develop such a translation is combined with the realisation of the concept itself and with the writing and editing of the texts and educational materials.

Together with the client Ars Longa develops extraordinary communicative exhibitions which have the possibility to present the many layers of a certain subject and to attract a wide and diverse audience. By using a wide variation of communication tools and presentation techniques the audience is provided with an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.

An exhibition design is always based on the idea that form and content are connected to each other. Ars Longa therefore tries to make use of the space in a clear, but surprising, way, while focusing both on the big idea as well as on the details. Also, agreeing that a museum collection deserves to be shown to its full advantage, Ars Longa is aware of the demands of aesthetics and conservation. The general lighting levels, the various lamps used in the exhibition and the places of the accentuating spotlights are harmoniously integrated in a lighting plan that shapes the atmosphere.



Multimedia projects and experience installations

Over the past few years, the number of possibilities for multimedia communication has increased enormously. Ars Longa is therefore often asked by clients to come up with ideas for interactive installations for interested audiences. Here the participation of the audience in the exhibition is a central starting point. In that way multimedia installations are a perfect tool for triggering emotions such as astonishment or enthusiasm.

Ars Longa develops many innovative multimedia products and internet applications. Audiovisual programmes such as interviews and mini-documentaries are only one example, and if desired they can also be combined with animation or image manipulation techniques. Ars Longa also develops and directs multimedia experiences and cross media projects and coordinates their realisation. If desired by the client taking care of the hardware can also be concluded in the contract.


Cross media projects

The term ‘cross media’ includes the concepts of edu-tainment, serious games, several web technologies and multimedia applications. Together with the client, Ars Longa develops innovative concepts for communication, marketing and education. By searching for the most creative applications and for combinations between different techniques, many surprising products are developed. Often applications from web-based programmes and digital techniques are integrated in these products.

Today’s youth is especially attracted to innovative forms of media in which they can co-create or contribute something. Ars Longa develops many special tools and applications to adapt to those new desires. Often it is possible to connect the experience of the exhibition to the internet during, but also after, the visitor’s stay. Multimedia applications are namely perfectly useful for dispersal of information to the outer side of the museum walls.