Reviving Ancient Iberian Town through Virtual Reality: Ullastret 250BC

Burzon Comenge Transports Visitors to the Past with Immersive Technology

The inspiration behind Ullastret 250BC was not merely to showcase the archaeological site but to enable users to experience it firsthand. The project employs virtual reality and immersive room technologies to recreate the essence of the Iberian town during a period when there is abundant data available for an accurate recreation.

What sets Ullastret 250BC apart is its ability to transport users back in time. The archaeological site of Ullastret, located in Baix Emporda, Catalonia, is considered the largest and most significant of its period in the region. Now, thanks to Burzon Comenge's innovative use of technology, visitors can virtually walk through the streets and inside the houses of the ancient town.

The creation of Ullastret 250BC involved a meticulous process of analyzing archaeological documents, visualizing 2D and 3D sketches, and building a final 3D model. The model was then imported into a video game creation engine to generate different interactive experiences for the immersive room, creating an emotional journey through virtual reality.

The virtual reality experience was generated using Unreal Engine, a video game software, and utilizes HTC Vive glasses for viewing. The immersive room features three Christie projectors that display images on three walls, providing an almost 360-degree vision to the user.

Ullastret 250BC is a testament to the power of technology in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. It is a project that required extensive research and technological expertise, transforming viewers into active participants in exploring the rich history of the Iberian town. This innovative approach to cultural preservation earned Ullastret 250BC the Golden A' Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design Award in 2017.