Trakošćan Castle Revived
Trakošćan Castle, an architectural gem nestled in the picturesque hills of northern Croatia, stands as a testament to centuries of history and grandeur, making it the perfect backdrop for our innovative AR project.
The goal
The project’s end goal was to revive and enhance the visitor experience at Trakošćan Castle through the integration of 3D augmented reality (AR) in its permanent exhibition. The objective was to celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the Trakošćan Castle Museum in 2024 by offering a unique and interactive way for visitors to learn about Croatian nobility and the rich history of the castle.
The Solution
Our solution included a series of immersive experiences:
- AR Mobile Application: The development of the “Oživjeli Trakošćan” mobile application, designed to provide an educational and entertaining experience using AR technology. The same was made available in two languages and was released on both App Store and Play Store.
- Interactive Map: The application guides visitors through an interactive map of the castle, using AR and location markers to bring historical elements to life.
- Enhanced User Experience: Each AR experience incorporated audio-visual elements such as music, chatter, and environmental sounds to create an immersive atmosphere. It aslo offers additional educational information for each of the AR points.
- 3D Content Creation: Seven AR points were meticulously crafted, displaying animated 3D content when users point their cameras at specific markers. The AR points included:
- Hunting Room: Showcasing hunting traditions.
- Knight’s Hall: Demonstrating fencing techniques.
- Family Hall: Featuring revived portraits of family members.
- Julijana’s Room: Highlighting Julijana’s painting.
- Small Salon: Depicting relaxation activities in the castle.
- Gallery of Children’s Portraits: Bringing children’s portraits to life.
- Castle Kitchen: Illustrating food preparation processes.
- Detailed Modeling: The 3D art team created and modeled detailed items based on reference photos provided by curators, including clothing, footwear, and various objects.
The Result
Trakošćan, already one of the most beloved Croatian castles has now set a standard for use experience through:
- Enhanced Visitor Engagement: The AR application provided a novel and engaging way for visitors to interact with the museum’s exhibits, making the learning experience more dynamic and memorable.
- Increased Social Media Promotion: Visitors could share their AR experiences on social media, promoting Trakošćan Castle globally and attracting more tourists.
- Educational Value: The application offered in-depth insights into the life and culture of Croatian nobility, enhancing the educational aspect of the museum visit
- Memorable Experience: Personalized photos taken during the AR experience allowed visitors to take home unique memories of their visit.
Project Highlights
Technology Used:
- Augmented Reality (AR): Utilized to create interactive and immersive experiences.
- 3D Modeling and Animation: Employed to bring historical artifacts and scenes to life with high fidelity.
- Marker-Based AR: Ensured clear and precise placement of 3D content within the castle’s rooms.
Project Distinctions:
- Overcoming Technical Challenges: Addressed issues of weak internet and GPS signals by ensuring all AR content was available offline after the initial download.
- Innovative Animations: Used video references to animate complex sequences, such as the fencing knights, ensuring realistic movements.
- Marker Optimization: Iteratively tested and refined markers to ensure high readability and accurate AR content placement.
- Client Collaboration: Worked closely with curators and clients to ensure historical accuracy and thematic relevance of the AR content.
By leveraging advanced AR technology, the Trakošćan Castle project not only preserved the cultural heritage of the castle but also set a new standard for museum interactivity and visitor engagement.
