IN-PERSON London Heritages. Section A
Abstract
MUDI Reality + is a project developed in collaboration with the Museo Diffuso di Castel San Pietro Romano, aiming to bridge history and technology through an immersive augmented reality (AR) experience. This initiative allows visitors to explore the Rocca dei Colonna interactively, offering a unique window into its historical evolution. This paper contributes to current discussions on digital heritage, demonstrating how AR can transform the interpretation and preservation of historical sites through immersive and educational experiences. Utilizing drone photography and 3D scanning techniques, the project team digitally reconstructed the existing and historical Rocca, enabling users to transition seamlessly between these. The digital models are made accessible through a dedicated AR application on iPads provided at the museum or for visitors off-site with any iOS device. Visitors engage with detailed models of architectural features such as the tower, drawbridge, historical walls, and gate, with options to rotate, zoom, and open up a digital artistic reinterpretation of each historic element for a deeper understanding of the site’s architectural heritage. The app further enriches the experience by delivering curated information on key aspects of the Rocca, enhancing both learning and engagement. Beyond the digital interface, MUDI Reality + incorporates an interactive physical space within the museum. This includes a digital portal, a 3D printed table, a vinyl floor map, and a 3D printed model of the Rocca designed for visitors who are blind or visually impaired, collectively designed to deepen visitors’ connection to the historical context of the site. Launched in April 2024, the project exemplifies the integration of historical research with emerging technologies to make cultural heritage more accessible and engaging.
Tatjana Crossley is co-founding partner of ArchiTAG and Assistant Professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Her work integrates culture, history, and place-making with technology to explore new ways of perceiving and fabricating built environments. She researches the sensorial and psychological dimensions of immersive and virtual spaces and has lectured internationally on these topics. She earned her Ph.D. from the Architectural Association, her MArch II from Harvard GSD, and her BArch from Rice University.
George Guida is co-founding partner of ArchiTAG, an ARB architect, and LEED AP. His design and research focus on AI in architecture. He has lectured and led workshops in the U.S. and internationally. Originally from Rome, he studied at the Architectural Association and Harvard GSD. He has taught at the GSD, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Northeastern University. Prior to founding ArchiTAG in 2019, he worked at Foster + Partners and was a researcher at the MIT Media Lab.
2:15 pm - 3:45 pm
Wednesday 25th June, 2025