Havets näringsväv
Contributors
Funding
Overview
Havets näringsväv is an interactive science exhibition developed for the Vislab at Universeum and Visualiseringscenter C. Built in Unreal Engine, the installation explores the complex ecosystem of the Weddell Sea near Antarctica through large-scale data visualization and interactive storytelling.
Visitors discover how hundreds of species are connected in a vast ecological network, observing how biodiversity and environmental balance are maintained in one of the world’s harshest climates.
Interactive Visualization
The experience combines a dedicated touch screen for interaction with a large projection surface that visualizes the food web in real time. Users can zoom into specific species, follow predator–prey relationships, and simulate environmental disturbances such as climate change or species extinction.
As species are removed from the ecosystem, the visualization reveals how effects ripple through the network. This helps visitors understand:
- Ecological interdependence and trophic levels.
- The importance of key species within the Antarctic marine environment.
- Real-time consequences of simulated environmental shifts.
From Research to Public Outreach
The exhibition transforms advanced ecological research into an engaging public experience by utilizing a scientific dataset containing 489 species and nearly 16,000 feeding interactions. By moving away from static charts and into an immersive Unreal Engine environment, the project communicates the complexity of human impact and the urgent need to protect global biodiversity. Through this exploration, Havets näringsväv encourages meaningful discussion about sustainability and our relationship with the natural world.