Outernet London opens experience to reduce visitors’ stress

Pixel Artworks has launched an immersive mindfulness experience that aims to help anxious commuters and busy Londoners unwind and catch their breath.

Located in Outernet London, Room to Breathe is a sensory experience based on the science of ‘box-breathing’, which harnesses the healing power of digital light and pixel technology. It features guidance from trauma and anxiety consultant Jayne Cox and original music written by Matthew Wilcock.

The rhythmic cloud and light scape at the heart of Room to Breathe offer a glimpse into how technology will play a key part in supporting health and wellbeing. The visuals and sounds guide commuters to breathe in, hold and exhale using a four-second breathing technique. The music slowly moves from an acoustic piano to more organic, synthesised tones to help users settle into the breathing pattern. A digital plaque provides guidance on how to use the experience.

Pixel Artworks’ technical director, Jackson Tayler, said: “The experience was crafted using Epic’s Unreal Engine, giving us control over real-time volumetric cloud and advanced lighting tools. Our rendering pipeline used an in-engine 360 camera, which takes into consideration the audience positions and perspectives needed for a highly immersive experience. This means that the content on the ceilings and walls work as one, and the audience feels encompassed by the experience surrounding them.”

“Anxiety and stress often change the way we breathe, with our breath often becoming rapid and shallow, resulting in heightened anxiety and becoming ‘stuck’ in a state of fight or flight,” said Cox. “Learning and regularly implementing a simple breathing technique reduces anxiety by helping us to have more control over our breath. Once learned, these techniques become a ‘tool’ that support us anywhere, whether we are on the move or at home.”

Tom Burch, managing director at Pixel Artworks, added: “Society has never been as anxious, and the stress associated with commuting and returning to work in the office is a well-known trigger point. Based on this knowledge, we felt compelled to create an experience that can help calm people’s minds and educate them on the benefits of box-breathing, arming them with tools to manage everyday stress.”

Outernet London is a new immersive culture, media and music district featuring floor-to-ceiling wraparound LED screens. Room to Breathe is open daily from 11am-12pm, 2pm-3pm and 7pm-8pm in Outernet London’s NOW Trending building, opposite Tottenham Court Road station.