Xrayscape: Northern sky phenomena through extended reality

Abstract

Northern sky phenomena, such as northern lights, midnight sun and polar night, attract people from all around the globe. For the local population on the other hand, the never-ending nights during winter and never-ending days during summer can entail negative effects, repelling people. Extended reality, XR, is a versatile technology that can be applied to enhance or represent different activities ranging from entertainment to professional. XR has entered exhibition contexts for improved way-finding, additional information and exhibited material. Recent studies also indicate that XR could provide potential rehabilitation methods for different types of depression. This thesis explores the combination of XR as an exhibition technology and antidepressant. The display of various northern sky phenomena aims to offer complementing experiences to the visitor, whether it is a traveller coming for the northern lights but who is also intrigued by the midnight sun, or a resident who wishes to escape the darkness that causes their seasonal affective disorder. The site chosen for the exhibition is the decommissioned mine Tuolluvaara in Kiruna, Sweden. Kiruna has a conflicted history and relationship with nature due to its extensive iron ore mining activity. Kiruna is also the municipality in Sweden where the highest number of Sámi people live. The mine has heavily inflicted and continues to do so on land that has historically been used for reindeer herding. The mining industry and Sámi represent two extreme versions of what it means to live of what nature has to offer. The mine financially supports a whole nation and is essential for the city of Kiruna that we know today, but has serious consequences for nature, its wildlife, people and architecture of Kiruna. Sámi tourism today struggles with what image to share, tourists often expect a traditional or stereotypical Sámi culture. Reindeer herding nowadays is carried out with electric vehicles and economically supports a reducing number of Sámi people. Maintaining an outdated image risks to ‘disneyficate’ the culture. Reclaiming the abandoned mine and filling it with natural wonders under Sámi direction could contribute to a more versatile impression of Sámi culture and reconciliation.