An interactive video player for "La memoria dei ghiacciai," an exhibition exploring Ticino’s glaciers and their evolution. This Raspberry Pi-powered player allows visitors to initiate a short film on glacial melt, combining physical computing with digital fabrication for an engaging educational experience about climate change and glacier retreat.
Abstract
This article details the development of an interactive player component for a multimedia installation exploring the critical issue of glacial melt. The piece, initially exhibited at Palacinema Locarno and SUPSI Mendrisio, utilises physical computing and digital fabrication to engage audiences with compelling visual content. My contribution centred on creating a user-activated video player driven by a Raspberry Pi system.
The exhibition at the DACD Campus at SUPSI - Image courtesy of moneymag.ch
Concept
The core concept behind the installation was to provide an accessible and impactful experience for viewers, raising awareness about the consequences of glacial retreat. The interactive player served as a key element in this process, allowing users to initiate a short film documenting the problem directly. This simple interaction aimed to foster a sense of agency and encourage reflection on the subject matter.
The exhibition at the PalaCinema Locarno - Image courtesy of ti.ch
Process Development
The video player itself was developed using a Raspberry Pi platform, enabling straightforward activation via a dedicated button interface. Upon pressing the button, a pre-loaded video concerning glacial melt is projected onto a nearby screen. The project’s broader scope incorporated elements of physical computing and digital fabrication; I personally designed and constructed the entire enclosure housing the technology utilising digital fabrication techniques. This ensured a cohesive aesthetic that complemented the visual narrative.
The exhibition at the PalaCinema Locarno - Image courtesy of ti.ch
Note
This player was specifically developed as part of the “La memoria dei ghiacciai” (“The Memory of Glaciers”) exhibition, which offers audiences a journey through the world of Ticino’s glaciers. The exhibition combines photographs, documents and film to illustrate their evolution over the past 130 years and the vital measurement work undertaken by the Forestry Department since the late 19th century. Beyond this historical record, the exhibition also provides information on glacier formation, ecology, functions, and their relationship with climate change. Having toured locations including Locarno, Canobbio (Trevano), Mendrisio, Bellinzona, Cevio and Faido between 2022 and 2023, a portion of the exhibit is currently displayed at the Fondazione Valle Bavona in Cavergno, with a smaller, adapted version available for schools and other interested organisations. For further information about “La memoria dei ghiacciai,” please visit this link.
How to cite this page:
Subet, Matteo (2022). Glacier Exhibition Player. Retrieved on 18 December 2025 from zumat.ch/projects/glacier-exhibition-player.html