Creative Technology Space
Nerve Lab (Neurocognitive Experiments in Real and Virtual Environments) will allow human experiences to be quantified, studied, computationally synthesised, and incorporated into new interactive artistic creations.

Nerve Lab


Combining the latest in wearable neuroimaging technology, motion capture, and AI-powered performer/audience analytics, Nerve Lab will provide a space for teams from across industry and UAL to develop R&D projects at any scale, both within the lab and out in the community.

Nerve Lab (Neurocognitive Experiments in Real and Virtual Environments) will allow human experiences to be quantified, studied, computationally synthesised, and incorporated into new interactive artistic creations.




RESOURCES

The resources will include:
Sony Verona LED wall
  • 5000x2500mm 1.5mm 120hz LED wall in a straight or 5º segmented curve

Computing
  • 2x Intel i7 14700K CPU, RTX 4090 GPU, 64 GB RAM, 2TB SSD, Windows 11, 10GbE + Wi-Fi
  • Render Node: 1x RTX 6000 Pro
  • Vicon Computer

Sound
  • 8x Genelec 8330 APM speakers
  • 1x Genelec 7350 SAM subwoofer
  • 1x Genelec GLM kit
  • 1x Allen & Heath SQ5 mixer with Dante card
  • 1x Allen & Heath DT168 stagebox

Projection
  • 1x Panasonic PT-VMZ61EJ WUXGA 6,000lm projector
    Motion Capture System
    • 18x Vicon Vero 2.2 cameras (2.2MP, 300hz)
    • 1x FLIR Blackfly S camera (2.3MP, 150hz, Tamon 6-15mm Lens)
    • 1x Vicon Beacom (RF Transmitter for Active markers)
    • 1x Lock Studio sync device
    • 1x Lock Lab analogue sensor device
    • Software: Vicon Shōgun 1, Vicon Nexus 2, Vicon Tracker 4 and Vicon Evoke
    • Accessories: Variety of suits, passive and active markers and virtual camera rig.

    Eye-tracking
    • Screen-based
    • SR Research EyeLink Portable Duo
    • Software: SR Research Experiment Builder and Data Viewer
    • Wearable
    • Pupil Labs Neon Wearable Eye Tracking
    • Software: Pupil Labs Companion App and Monitor App
    • Accessories: -3 to +3 adult diopter kit and child-sized frames for ages 2-8

    fNIRS: 2x Artinis Brite

    EEG: 2x Enobio20



    About Living Room Lab

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    How to request access

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    (Upcoming) A Double Bill of T:Dance

    We will present a double bill of contrasting technology-mediated dance works at the official launch of Nerve Lab on June 8th.
    Running Time: 40 mins (including 10 mins interval).

    Inner Room

    An immersive performance exploring the dynamic negotiation between the physical and digital world.

    Me See I

    An interactive performance exploring the interaction between choreographic intention and somatic practice.








    Commission Model


    University-Led

    Reciprocal Incubator
    University technology laboratories, such as the Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab (IVSL) at Norwich University of the Arts and the FVU:LAB at Nottingham Trent University, frequently utilize a reciprocal commissioning structure. Rather than functioning solely as closed academic research spaces, these facilities formally commission independent media artists to develop works onsite.


    The Value Exchange:

    • For the Artist: Access to specialized technologies (such as marker-less motion capture, virtual production LED volumes, and spatial audio) alongside financial bursaries to support professional production standards.
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    • For the Institution: The commissioned works serve as practical demonstrations of the facility's technical capabilities. By funding professional artists, universities guarantee the generation of high-fidelity promotional and documentation assets. These assets are subsequently used to validate the lab's output to regional funding bodies, attract prospective students, and establish industry partnerships.
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    Commercial & Institutional

    Content-as-Demonstration
    Ars Electronica’s Deep Space 8K in Linz, Austria, provides an established model for institutional technology commissioning. Operating a large-scale stereoscopic projection space with advanced tracking infrastructure, the institution does not merely host external projects; it actively commissions bespoke interactive and audiovisual works designed specifically for its hardware.


    The Value Exchange:

    • For the Artist: Dedicated funding, international exposure, and the institutional support required to scale interactive XR architectures for public audiences.
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    • For the Institution: The commissioned performances and installations become the primary asset the venue presents to the public and to commercial sponsors. Artist-driven commissions validate the technical infrastructure, transforming the laboratory into a viable venue capable of attracting global tech partners (e.g., Intel, SAP) and generating sustainable revenue.
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      Nerve Lab, Creative Computing Institute, University of the Arts London
      Directed by Prof. Tim Smith, University of the Arts London
      Part-funded in 2023 by the Regional Investment Fund.