What is Mariakirken
The “Mariakirken” is a virtual tour, exploratory game, 360 degree movie and multi-level audio-visual experience all in one. Built on a worldwide unique monument located in the Norwegian city of Bergen, it was created to bring to the other people what only some can experience. Through the use of advanced reality laser scanning techniques, as well as modern real-time rendering engines it has become possible to create a digital world looking more and more like reality. This gives the opportunity to learn about other places and another time without the necessity to leave the house.
Mozzaika | VR’ Task
Most important functionality for the project “Mariakirken” was the immersion in a virtual environment, allowing the user to explore freely. Visitors have the opportunity of walking around their own space as if they did actually were in the monumental church. Each element important from the historical or cultural heritage point of view, has been specially scanned, marked and programmed.
This gives the opportunity to interact with objects in the scene such as picking up to look at them up close, hearing stories read by the lecturer, or watch a movie based on the subject. Using 3D laser scanners, allow to obtain photorealistic appearance of design, strikingly similar to real objects. This makes it possible to transfer any real place into the virtual world.
Project aim
The project aims to provide the opportunity to explore an historically and culturally important place. It gives the ability to maintain a virtual copy of a historical building in the event of natural disasters, wars, or for the purpose of restoration and as a reference point for changes happening over time.
It allows sick and people with limited mobility to visit places inaccessible in normal conditions. “Mariakirken” performs many functions, hence it is a very versatile and complex project.
