What is Historistage:
Historistage is an Augmented Reality enabled experience currently being developed for heritage sites, theatres and museums to enhance their visitor experience.
Historistage is a combination of a beautifully crafted tactile physical model that visitors stumble upon which acts as a backdrop for an AR Experience that can be experienced through a smartphone after scanning the model.
Using dynamic AR to bring about the lost architectural aspects and hidden histories that can be found within the UK. The UK has some of the richest theatrical histories in the world, with these usually revolving around listed heritage spaces. Some of those spaces have either been lost or changed over time as the spaces are repurposed or reused over time.
Augmented Reality brings with it the ability to give snapshots back into particular moments of historical time. It is a powerful tool to view the historical past in revealing or layered ways. AR can be powerful in many ways, but it is exceptionally good at taking architectural elements and allows scenes to play out leaving room for creative interpretation or suggestion.
Heritage XR - Project development:
Historistage has achieved significant advancements through the Heritage XR programme- a 16-week initiative aimed at fostering innovation and creativity through advanced digital technologies in the UK heritage sector. Collaborating closely with Brighton Dome Brighton Festival and Digital Catapult, our primary focus was on breathing life into the history and heritage of Brighton Dome's Corn Exchange, an esteemed Grade I listed venue. Digital Catapult offered crucial support in leveraging 5G technology. This collaboration enhanced interactivity and seamless immersion.
Thorough research and development led us to uncover two captivating stories from the 1800s and 1900s, which formed the basis for the AR experience. To create an immersive and interactive journey for visitors, Ice Cream at the Interval crafted a beautifully detailed tactile physical model of the Brighton Dome and Corn Exchange as they existed in the 1800s. This wooden flat-back model provided the perfect canvas for unfolding the mesmerising AR narrative.
Through AR and 3D animations, visitors were transported back in time to the early 1800s and 1900s, where they could explore the diverse roles that the Brighton Dome and Corn Exchange played during different historical periods. From hosting equestrian activities and events as the Royal Stables and The Riding House to serving as a hospital for wounded soldiers from the Indian Army, the venue's historical significance was brought to life.
To further enrich the experience, narratives were integrated from two remarkable women, Christabel Pankhurst and Sarojini Naidu. Although not directly part of the historic events, their stories provided unique perspectives, deepening the emotional connection to the past.
The culmination of the Heritage XR programme was marked by an exciting and successful Demo day on the 17th of July 2023. Esteemed experts from the heritage and technology sectors provided valuable feedback, validating the creativity and innovation fostered by the programme.
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