“Gaze to the Stars”: An Immersive Projection Mapping Experience at MIT Media Lab
“Some projects change the way things look. Others change the way we see.”
A New Kind of Public Art Installation at MIT
From March 12–14, 2025, the MIT Media Lab reimagined the power of public art through a transformative experience called Gaze to the Stars. This large-scale projection mapping installation, created by the Critical Matter Group under the direction of Professor Behnaz Farahi, turned the university’s iconic Great Dome into something extraordinary.
The structure became a living, breathing display of human expression. It was powered by technology and shaped by emotion.
As contributing partners, we had the privilege of helping bring this visionary project to life. Our role was to blend the technical precision of architectural projection with the raw vulnerability of personal storytelling.
Blending Technology and Emotion Through Immersive Projection Mapping
At the heart of Gaze to the Stars was a simple, powerful idea: to make our gaze visible.
To begin the experience, guests stepped into custom-built immersive pods. Each pod invited them to pause and reflect on their hopes, dreams, and inner challenges. This moment of reflection created the foundation for everything that followed.
From there, eye-tracking software and generative AI recorded each participant’s gaze in real time. That data was then transformed into a dynamic visual projection. Moments later, their unique pattern of focus appeared on the dome.
The connection between inner thought and public expression became deeply tangible. What started as a quiet moment of reflection soon became a shared visual experience.
How Generative AI and Eye Tracking Created Living Art
Over the course of three nights, the Great Dome came alive with light and meaning. More than 200 individual gazes lit up the sky, each one offering a different perspective.
No two projections were the same. Some were soft and contemplative, while others burst with vibrant energy. As a result, the installation became a massive, moving portrait of collective introspection.
The Impact of Architectural Projection on the MIT Great Dome
Gaze to the Stars challenged the way we interact with space — public space, emotional space, and inner space. Instead of relying on spectacle alone, it encouraged meaningful engagement.
Through a thoughtful blend of emerging media, interactive design, and architectural scale turned the Great Dome into something more than a projection surface. It became a symbol of connection. A shared, momentary monument to being human.
A Canvas of Light, A Chorus of Gazes
Traditionally, the Great Dome has always been an architectural landmark. But during Gaze to the Stars, it became something else entirely.
The Dome became a vessel for shared emotion. A chorus of silent gazes. A canvas lit by inner worlds made visible.
Our Role in Bringing Gaze to the Stars to Life
For our team, this installation was a powerful reminder of purpose. It reflected why we do what we do.
Ultimately, our mission is to help bold ideas reach their full potential through precision and creativity. That means bringing technology and storytelling together in ways that resonate beyond the moment.
Supporting Gaze to the Stars gave us the chance to contribute to something larger than ourselves. We were proud to help transform reflection into art.
Why This Matters: The Future of Immersive Public Art
In today’s world, public spaces are becoming increasingly digitized. Despite that shift, Gaze to the Stars offered something rare.
Instead of speeding people up, it encouraged them to slow down. The experience created space for reflection, rather than distraction. It offered connection—not only with one another, but with ourselves.
To the brilliant team at MIT Media Lab, especially Professor Farahi and the Critical Matter Group, thank you.
To every participant who lent their gaze — thank you for being part of something bigger.
In the end, projects like this remind us that the intersection of art and technology isn’t just about innovation. It is where connection begins.
Want to talk about what’s possible? Reach out to our team