Vintage Warsaw: A Flashback to the 90s

Transport yourself to the 90s and join us on a historical walk in Warsaw around the Palace of Culture and Science, where post-communistic Poles were introduced to Western culture and activities.

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Inspiration

Inspired by a desire to bridge the gap between the past and the present, our team embarked on a journey to create "Vintage Warsaw: A Flashback to the 90s." We were driven by the notion of using modern-age technology to transport users back in time, allowing them to experience the vibrant life of Warsaw in the 90s.

What it does

Our project is a location-based AR experience centered around the iconic Palace of Culture in Warsaw. As users take a walk around the historic site, they are immersed in a virtual world that mirrors the cityscape of the 90s. A series of 3D models, representing the architecture, lifestyle, and atmosphere of that era, are strategically placed around the Palace. Users can explore these models, gaining insights into the daily life and culture of Warsaw during the exciting and transformative period of the 90s.

How we built it

To bring "Vintage Warsaw" to life, we employed a combination of geolocation technology, augmented reality frameworks, and historical research. Using Google's ARCore, we integrated 3D models into the real-world environment around the Palace of Culture. The models were created based on archival photographs, ensuring accuracy and authenticity in depicting Warsaw as it was in the 1990s. The project was developed using ARCore Extensions for AR Foundation in Unity and Blender in combination with Photoshop for 3D models.

Challenges we ran into

Navigating the development of "Vintage Warsaw" introduced us to a few challenges that demanded creative problem-solving. Initial challenges arose in ensuring a fluid AR experience around the Palace of Culture. The transformation of historical photographs into lifelike 3D models also proved to be a meticulous process. Additionally, the initial idea was much smaller, but as we progressed with the project and learned about the capabilities, we wanted to add more and more to make it the most comprehensive experience possible. As a result, towards the end, we had to rush a little bit to complete everything.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Despite the challenges, our team is immensely proud of the immersive and authentic experience we've created with "Vintage Warsaw." The integration of AR and geolocation technologies allows users to seamlessly blend the past with the present, offering a unique and educational journey through the streets of Warsaw in the 90s. The accurate representation of historical details contributes to a compelling and memorable experience that we believe captures the spirit of the era.

What we learned

This project was a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know the Google ARcore software, as we didn’t have a chance to work with it before. It was also the first location-based experience developed by our company. The immersive nature of "Vintage Warsaw" allowed us to get into the intricacies of geolocation technology and its integration with AR, expanding our expertise and opening new avenues for future innovative projects in the intersection of technology and cultural exploration.

What's next for Vintage Warsaw: A Flashback to the 90s

Looking ahead, we plan to enhance the interactivity and educational aspects of the experience, making it a valuable tool for both locals and tourists interested in the rich history of this vibrant city. Additionally, we aim to explore partnerships with cultural institutions and educational organizations to further promote the use of AR in historical exploration and preservation. "Vintage Warsaw" is not just a stroll down memory lane but a step towards redefining how we connect with the past through the lens of innovative technology.

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