MACE Customer Success Story: Bringing Cybrarium, a VR-Enabled Library, to Life

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In a world ruled by digital media, the death of libraries appeared inevitable.

Until it didn’t.

Cybrarium, a modern take on traditional libraries, has rapidly resuscitated this brick and mortar institution. But not without the help of MACE Virtual Labs and Michael Landsberg of ML3 Media. As the first VR-equipped library, it brilliantly illustrates how MACE can bring new applications of VR technology to life, in ways that impact entire communities and even timeless institutions.

HTC Vive, a leading VR hardware manufacturer in the consumer space, made the shrewd decision to recruit MACE for this project. Of all the VR professionals they could have brought on, MACE proved to be the best fit, and the results speak for themselves.

A Virtual Reality Driven Rebrand of “Traditional” Libraries

Libraries have long buckled under the weight of modernization, becoming a mere backdrop for caffeinated college students during finals. It seemed their need as a place of research had all but diminished. However, the team behind Cybrarium in Homestead, Florida disagreed. In their minds, libraries didn’t need a funeral procession - they needed a rebrand. More specifically, they need a virtual-reality-propelled rebrand, one that would challenge and reshape the public concept of libraries. 

When Cybrarium teamed with MACE, this became a reality. 

With a median annual income of just $14,000 per year, Cybrarium’s placement in Homestead was nothing short of significant. It gave an underserved community access to some of the most incredible VR technology in the world. It would be free to the public, and ideally, renew public interest in libraries at large. Upon completion, when Homestead residents walked into the Cybrarium, they could slip one of 50 headsets, and slip into a new reality.

How MACE Supported the Construction of a VR-Enabled Library, During the Pandemic

Constructed entirely during the pandemic, Cybrarium contains 13 VR stations, 3 of which are roaming installations. Michael Landsburg of ML3 Media was tapped to lead project infrastructure. “We chose to work with MACE for the procurement and installation of the systems alongside our team of architects, builders, lighting techs, and Integration team. This way, we were able to keep all three attractions we built moving forward at the same time, even though the world had just pulled the parking brake on pretty much everything. With MACE, we liked the smaller company approach as this process was anything but predictable. We needed an integrator as flexible as we are.” Michael explains. 

The praise was mutual. As Josh Bankston of MACE pointed out, “The best laid plans last until the moment of execution. That’s extremely true when it comes to construction. If you don’t have the right steward, like Michael, it’s very easy for general contractors to come in and say various aspects of the plan won’t work. It takes a lot of backbone to maintain the integrity of the project. With Michael at the helm, we were able to pull off a pretty impressive installation.” The Houston-based MACE team made the drive to Miami no less than 3 times to support the installation of the project.

During construction, the MACE team and Michael found creative ways to approach extremely complicated installation scenarios. For example, the VR Cube is among the most prominent exhibits in the space, with 4 stations featuring large TV screen panels that act as one enormous screen. Michael and MACE collaborated on this challenging attraction, while ensuring it could accommodate COVID-era restrictions. Stations were no closer than 6 feet from one another, and the Cube was constructed using antimicrobial materials.

MACE rigorously ensured that the project:

  • Stayed on schedule and within budget

  • Exceeded the Cybrarium team’s expectations

  • Enjoyed a seamless procurement process

Hardware and software at use in Cybrarium:

  • HTC VIVE Pro Eye

  • Dell Alienware

  • Springboard

  • Engage VR

Introducing Cybrarium to the Public

Because the project was already funded, it could be introduced to the public organically, without aggressive marketing efforts or the pressure to show immediate ROI. Since launch, public perception has been stellar. “Everyone was floored,” Josh says, “People would say things like, ‘I’m gonna come live here, try and kick me out.’” It also generated considerable interest from the Homestead police department, who are now considering the use of VR for law enforcement training. 

Cybrarium has already begun to transform the perception of libraries, renewing their relevance and utility. (Today, in Homestead. Tomorrow, anywhere!) “Residents can see their tax dollars at work for something really cool and tangible, something that connects the community.” Josh continues. The Cybrarium team is hopeful that the project will spawn copycats, which, in this case, are more than welcome. Cybrarium could easily serve as a new model for libraries, and a new space for educational experiences. 

As it stands, Cybrarium is a VR-equipped, educational powerhouse. It has widened public access to one of the most sophisticated technologies in the world and enabled new, creative forms of research. And it couldn’t have come to life without the help of MACE Virtual Labs. 

“I recommend MACE as an integration partner for multimedia production and attraction companies like us. In the world of building studios and multimedia installations, having a solid team of technicians is key.” - Michael Landsberg, ML3 Media

Confidently Pass Your XR Leads to MACE

As an XR manufacturer, when your lead needs more than just hardware, leave them in MACE’s capable hands. With a roster of raving clients and an intimate knowledge of your XR hardware, no one is better suited than MACE to ensure your technology is seamlessly installed and creatively leveraged, in any project. 

Chad Modad