DX Portfolio
VR Cultural Learning Platform
The project involved creating a VR cultural learning experi-ence that merges virtual reality with architectural heritage. We selected the Low Memorial Library on Columbia’s campus as the focus and developed the VR experience from scratch. The narrative was designed to resonate with the features of the space. By interacting with historical images and exploring the space vertically, users can learn about history while navigating the en-vironment. We aim to use this demo to explore the role of virtual reality in enriching spatial narratives.
We consider the design questions:
• How to convert the information provide by the archive into interactable stories?
• How to connect the narration of hisotry related to the unique space of the rotanda?
TEAMMATES
Zihao Zhang
INSTRUCTOR
Professor Steven Feiner
DURATION
October 2024 - December 2024
AFFILIATION
Columbia University
CATEGORY
VR Design, Experience Design
DELIVERABLE
A VR Experience
MY WORK
Archival Research, Interaction Design, Narration Design, Programming
TOOLS
Unity, C#, Faro Scene, Reality Capture, Procreate
PROTOTYPE VIDEO
STEP ONE : HERITAGE DIGITIZATION
To create the digital twin of the building, we used Faro Scene and Reality Capture to process the point clouds collected by our cohort in the Historic Preservation program. We removed the model of the external environment, reduced the model size, and cleaned and rendered the model.
THE POINT CLOUD OF THE LOW LIBRARY THE DIGITAL
THE DIGITAL MODEL OF THE LOW LIBRARY
STEP TWO: ARCHIVAL RESEARCH
To uncover stories about the Low Library, we conducted archival research using library materials and online databases. We discovered historical photos depicting the original interior layout of the library, which are invaluable for reconstructing historical scenes. Additionally, we found infor-mation about changes to the layout, historical student protests, and the construction process. We divided the narration into three phases: the inner changes, the outer changes, and the construction process.
THE ARCHIVAL OF THE LOW LIBRARY
STEP THREE:DEVELOPMENT IN UNITY
When implementing the experience through Unity, we considered the user interface, interaction, and navigation.
Considering the spatial features of the rotunda, we designed an interac-tion that allows users to climb and explore the high space. We placed transportable platforms in a spiral layout near the rotunda’s side walls. This arrangement ensures that the dome can be viewed from different angles without occlusion, allowing users to also observe the details of the vaults and sculptures. Users can simply teleport between each platform.
For user interaction, we employed a simple mechanism where grasping images functions like a switch, triggering the reconstruction of historical scenes. Due to storage limitations and issues with lag, we decided to use un-textured models to ensure a smoother experience and maintain the purity of the space.
THE TELEPORTATION BEWTEEN PLATFORMS
THE INTERACTION WITH IMAGES
DESIGN RESUITS
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The Initial Interface
At the start of the virtual experience, users will be presented with a general introduction to the Low Library, along with an arrow guiding them.
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The Platforms with Various Heights
Users can teleport to platforms at various heights and angles to fully appreciate the rotunda from different perspectives.
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The Steps with Various Heights
Users can climb these steps to reach three platforms and closely observe the details on the walls and balconies.
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The Sculptures on the Balcony
Users can access the sculptures on the balcony by climbing up.
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The First Layer of Narration
The first platform focuses on inner changes. When the user grasps the historic image, it triggers the reconstruction of the historical scene. The user can adjust the angle of the historic photo to align with the virtual scene in front of them.
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The Second Layer of Narration
When the user ascends to the second platform, they will be notified that additional historical images of the library are available for interaction. The focus shifts to the historical changes that occurred outside.
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The Third Layer of Narration
On the third platform, users can explore the construction process of the Low Library.
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The Details of the Arch
The third platform is located near the arch, allowing users to view historical images of the arch and observe the details closely.