Immersive Indiana: Constructing an Augmented Reality in Columbus

Abstract

The Columbus Indiana Augmented Reality Project is a student-driven initiative to research, interpret, and reproduce the historic urban architecture and landscape of Columbus, Indiana. Focusing initially on the 7 Landmark Buildings housed in the city, the project uses primary source information (original archival drawings, photographs, letters, and audio material) to create an enhanced digital model, which patrons can use through an application and web platform to navigate the city either on-site or remotely. Employing the Ball State University approach to entrepreneurial learning, as students learn techniques for creating the environment, they then teach their peers and the public about the information, thus introducing and then reinforcing learning objectives and skillsets. The project provides real world experience in cutting-edge heritage preservation issues and methods, giving students an immersive experience, working with professionals in the field, and creating an immersive digital model to help the public engage with important modernist architecture.