Print

GeoBox Enhancing Historical Landmarks with Immersion: Fort Victor Emmanuel (France)

Fort Victor Emmanuel, located in Aussois, Savoie, is not only a testament to military strength, but also a showcase for a groundbreaking fusion of heritage and cutting-edge immersion technology. Constructed between 1819 and 1834, this historic fortress has recently undergone a transformative journey, breathing new life into its storied walls through a pioneering collaboration with Avantages Vidéo.

Recognizing the importance of preserving heritage while embracing innovation, the team embarked on an ambitious project to revitalize this iconic site. A technical team led by Eric FANELLI, Avantages Vidéo demonstrated their technical expertise in seamlessly blending history with modernity.

Enabling Immersion via M800 EX Series

At the core of this transformation is the GeoBox M800 EX series, selected for its exceptional features. This hardware-based solution provides accurate geometric alignment, edge blending, and exclusive projection mapping capabilities, which are crucial for maintaining the authenticity of the historical structure while incorporating modern visual experiences.

Technical Challenges

Preserving historical sites presents several technical obstacles, such as inconsistent power supply and the effects of changing temperatures. To address these challenges, the team adopted a reliable, hardware-based setup. This included using a BrightSign player and a GeoBox video controller, which ensured durability in the face of environmental adversities.

Creating an Illusion of Time

To create an illusion of time, three Panasonic projectors were strategically used to cast images onto tulle, a transparent fabric. This innovative approach generated a illusive 3D effect. Achieving this required the use of Projection Mapping technologies, specifically the GeoBox M801EX devices, which allowed for precise projection onto the fortress’s irregular surfaces.

Casting an Immersion Experience

The main theme of the project consisted of three videos that were played simultaneously, carefully synchronized using BrightSign players and a Crestron controller. The collaboration also involved professionals known as “les museastes,” who contributed their expertise in animations and music to enhance the historical narratives presented within the fortress.

The Trend of Historical Landmarks Embracing Technology

The combination of historical landmarks and cutting-edge visual technologies continues to transform our perception and experience of history. This fusion of innovation and heritage, exemplified by iconic sites like Fort Victor Emmanuel, is reshaping visitor engagement and cultural preservation.

Preservation and Educational Impact

These advancements provide more than just visual spectacle; they are educational tools that immerse visitors in history:

  • Interactive Learning: Technologies such as immersive displays and projection mapping redefine how people interact with historical narratives, creating captivating and participatory educational experiences.
  • Time Travel Through Projection: By projecting digital reconstructions onto physical structures, lost elements of history are brought back to life, offering informative and mesmerizing glimpses into the past.

Tourism Redefined

The integration of visual technologies into historic sites serves practical purposes:

  • Modern Appeal: By embracing these technologies, historical sites become attractive to modern audiences seeking unique and captivating experiences.
  • Emotional Connection: Immersive experiences foster emotional connections, bridging the gap between the past and the present, captivating visitors of all ages.

The Fort Victor Emmanuel immersion project represents the perfect blend of technological innovation and historical preservation. The use of the GeoBox M800 EX series as a comprehensive hardware solution strengthened the undertaking, overcoming technical obstacles and revitalizing this iconic piece of history.

The convergence of history and technology, exemplified at Fort Victor Emmanuel, signifies more than just the preservation of heritage. It signifies a revolution in how we interact with the past. This sets a foundation for a future where historical landmarks become immersive, educational, and emotionally impactful experiences for future generations.