Beyond the Facade | VR for Low Library
Type VR Heritage Experience Design Team Zihao Zhang, Daoxin Chen Time October 2024
This project involved the creation of a VR cultural learning experience that merges virtual reality with architectural heritage. Centered on the Low Memorial Library at Columbia University, the experience was developed from the ground up. The narrative was carefully crafted to align with the architectural features of the space, allowing users to engage with historical images and explore the environment vertically. Through this interactive journey, participants can learn about the building’s history while immersing themselves in its spatial design. The goal of this demo is to explore how virtual reality can enhance the storytelling potential of architectural heritage.
CONTRIBUTION
Zihao Zhang Historical Research, 3D Modelling, Worldbuilding
Daoxin Chen Storytelling, Experience Design
Video of Prototype
Source: 3D Model Reconstructions of the Historical Low Memorial Library Reading Room Fixtures and Furnishings © 2024 Tina Tsai.
INTERFACE
The interface is intuitive and provides clear, essential information to guide participants through the virtual heritage experience. At the beginning, a brief introduction offers an overview of the experience, and when participants are ready, they can simply click the “Let’s go” button to begin their journey.
Each interface includes a short description of the historical images along with clear interaction instructions, helping participants understand what they are engaging with and how to navigate the experience effectively.
INTERACTION
The interaction is simple: participants can grab and manipulate historical images, which then trigger the reconstruction of historical scenes. By engaging with different images, users can explore the building’s construction, design, and associated stories. The straightforward interaction design allows participants to navigate the experience effortlessly, enabling them to focus more fully on the content and narrative.
NAVIGATION
The interface is straightforward and provides clear, essential information to guide participants through the virtual heritage experience. The interface includes instructions on what users need to do and how they can interact with virtual objects. At the beginning, a brief introduction outlines the overall experience. When participants are ready to begin, they can simply click the “Let’s go” button to start their journey.
STORYTELLING
The digital model used in this project is intentionally untextured, allowing for a pure appreciation of the spatial design while ensuring a smoother user experience by reducing device storage demands. The clean, white environment creates a minimalist atmosphere that encourages participants to focus on the spatial qualities and architectural details.
To connect the storytelling with the unique form of the rotunda, we designed a three-tiered platform system. Participants can ascend these platforms to experience the space from varying heights and perspectives, engaging with the building’s history through three narrative layers. Each stage presents visual materials related to the building from different viewpoints—including the interior environment, exterior surroundings, and the construction process—offering a comprehensive, multi-angled understanding of its heritage.
Source: 3D Model Reconstructions of the Historical Low Memorial Library Reading Room Fixtures and Furnishings © 2024 Tina Tsai.
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 then adjust the angle of the historic photo to align with the virtual scene in front of them.
When the user ascends to the second platform, they will be notified that additional historical images of the library are available for interaction. Here, the focus shifts to the historical changes that occurred outside.
On the third platform, users can explore the construction process of the Low Library. The third platform is located near the arch, allowing users to view historical images of the arch and observe the details closely.
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