Attraction package for the World Heritage Site of Sopianae

This very complex project required the joint effort of several teams. 3D reconstructions of the tombs of the Roman cemetery in Pécs, several films, a multi-functional visitor mobile application, interactive content managers, an AR photo wall, a VR application, and a museum pedagogic framework were prepared.

3D reconstructions

During the project, with the professional guidance of archaeologists, we made 3D reconstructed models of the UNESCO-certified Roman cemetery buildings in Pécs. Working together with the archaeologists and utilizing their knowledge, as well as collecting information ourselves, we aimed to make these reconstructions as close to authentic as possible. In addition to the buildings, 3D models of 10 artefacts, tools, characters, and objects included in the applications were also completed.

AR photo wall app with an interchangeable background

In the application, visitors can take pictures of themselves with a background of their choice. The program cuts out the background behind them and replaces it with a pre-rendered image. In order for this cutout to work, we needed a very bright green background with adequate lighting from all directions. The visitors can choose from three backgrounds, which represent three different locations in the Roman cemetery. After taking a picture visitors can send their own pictures to their e-mail. 

VR application

Through VR headsets, visitors can take a look into 3 chapters of the history of the Cella Septichora and the Roman cemetery in Pécs: 

1. Construction of the Cella Septichora 
2. A burial scene in a tomb located in the cemetery area
3. The end of Roman rule in Sopianae.

In the Cella Septichora, the visitor is transported back in time to see a moment of its construction in the Roman era. In this scene, the visitor can use the teleport points to take a tour around Cella Septichora and its surroundings. Visitors can use the controllers to interact with multiple objects placed within the scene. They can pick up and throw a hammer lying on the ground, pick up a Roman brick or a wooden plank or even climb a ladder. The visitors can get additional information about the objects and space by reading the info points.

In the second scene, visitors can get a glimpse of the two parts of the building of burial chamber number I (Péter-Pál Tomb Chamber) during a funeral ceremony. The ceremony itself can be seen in the underground burial chamber, and the accessories to ceremonies connected with funerals can be seen in the chapel above the ground. We can look around in both parts of the building, by opening the information points we can find out more details about the ceremonies around funerals and the building.

The last chapter is a night tour of the already abandoned and partially destroyed Roman cemetery. The starting point is the mausoleum, in the centre of the walkable area. The route is lined with torches that can be lit, and the visitor has one in their hand. Using the teleport points, they can walk around the cemetery area, sound and visual effects in the scene enhance the immersive experience.

Help windows at the beginning of the scenes help the visitor learn how to move in virtual space (teleport), interact with objects and navigate through menus. Moving between locations within a space is made with teleport points, thus ensuring the comfort of the visitor.

Each scene is made more dynamic with animated 3D characters.