Thomas Cole Home Tour Experience

Augmentative storytelling at Thomas Cole’s home

When Thomas Cole’s team approached us to enhance the second-floor tour of his historic home, we were excited to explore how augmentative storytelling could bring the space to life—without disrupting its quiet, contemplative character.

The home and its natural surroundings already told a powerful story. Rather than overwhelming the space with heavy technology or sensory media, we took a restrained, thoughtful approach.

By emphasizing the authenticity of Cole’s life, his tools, and the creative environment that shaped him, we designed experiences that invited visitors into his world organically. Each element enhanced the narrative subtly, supporting an immersive journey that feels natural, respectful, and deeply connected to the artist’s legacy.

OUR ROLE

Concept Development

Experience Design

Media Production

Sensor-Based Interactivity

Immersive Projection Mapping

Prototyping & Technical Integration

There is a docent-led experience that does have a preferred order, but the experience can also be done freely. The main room is divided into two separate zones that activate when approached, and visitors are encouraged to touch and hold objects to read into the insights that provoked Thomas Cole.

After viewing the main room, visitors are invited to the immersive room, where they can sit and watch the Hudson animate before their eyes while a replica of Thomas Cole's painting canvas evolves and narrated audio tells the story of the environment.

Leveraging motion sensors and media controllers linked to lights, sounds, and a mapped projector system for the immersive room, we took an augmentative approach to telling Thomas Cole’s story through sound and projections without unsuitable alterations to the original space.

As visitors approach each designated zone, lights and sound activate and project an actor's narration of each moment in the voice of Thomas Cole.