Venetian Tower
As part of the EU4Culture project, in 2022-2023, the Venetian Tower was renovated and transformed into the first Albanian Heritage Interpretation Center. It now offers visitors the chance to explore historical events and places through state-of-the-art digital and multimedia tools. These include VR headsets, audio guides, dome multimedia projections, and other activities that combine entertainment with a more in-depth look at the city’s ancient history. Our contribution to the project was heavily focused on the VR/AR experience, where we developed 3 VR installations and 4 AR applications for the real physical telescopes on the tower terrace, overlooking the sea.
The Solution
The onsite VR setup includes 3 pairs of headsets in three positions within the tower. These aim to interpret Durres’ history and promote its cultural heritage sites.
Three 3D reconstructions of important sites were created to provide a poetic, immersive experience through different periods: Ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
In the Ancient Roman period, visitors are immersed in the amphitheater and Gladiator Games. The Byzantine period shows a day in the Byzantine Forum, the heart of Durres. The Ottoman period is represented by a trip inside an Edward Lear painting, with animated people and an exact recreation of the scene.
The Results
By implementing the first dome projection and first immersive VR experiences in Albania we have opened the door for a new way to share history and culture in this area. Since the opening, the reception has been impressive, boosting visits and spreading awareness.
Project highlights
- Created a complete 3D reconstruction of the ancient walls of Durres, based on the archeological maps and findings;
- Implemented AI technology to animate and bring objects to life
- First of its kind experience of traveling inside a painting in Southern Europe
- 3D reconstruction of the Byzantine Forum based on the excavation and findings
