A Virtual Somerset House World...

Somerset House commissioned artists Ben Langlands and Nikki Bell to create Superactive i2i, a 3D interactive artist's experience of Somerset House, which was live online from 6 September to 30 November 2007.

Superactive i2i opened the doors of Somerset House online, with virtual visits beginning in the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, surrounded by 3D elevations of the North, South, East and West wings. From the virtual courtyard you could explore, by clicking on windows and doors, the artists' response to the building and activities within and around it. Visitors could also meet and communicate with others using personal on-screen avatars.

The Langlands & Bell commission launched permanent WiFi at Somerset House, with roaming access for visitors to laptop communications throughout the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, Seamen's Hall and River Terrace.

Superactive i2i was created by Langlands & Bell in collaboration with an international team of programmers and 3D modellers led by Julian Ellison of Inventive Partners.

Watch a 'fly-through' of the virtual artwork:
> high bandwidth
> low bandwidth

Superactive i2i was supported by Bloomberg.
Funding was gratefully received from Arts Council England.
Bloomberg and Somerset House Trust received an investment from Arts & Business to develop their creative partnership.