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Augmented reality app created by BSU students allows visitors to step into the past

A free event in Bath’s Parade Gardens will allow visitors to explore hidden histories and engage with some of Bath’s most interesting spaces – including a 3D digital building created by a team from Bath Spa University. 

To mark the bicentennial of the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute (BRLSI) this year, students on the University’s BSc Creative Computing course have developed an augmented reality mobile app that allows users to explore the original BRLSI museum building, which was demolished in 1932 for road improvements. 

Alongside pumpkin carving, a winter garden and a 'pop-up living maze', the virtual BRLSI building can be experienced from 25 October to 1 November, as part of an engagement event for the Bath Central Riverside regeneration scheme. 

The app was originally developed by the students as part of their second year Creative Industry Challenge module. The app has since undergone further development, which will be showcased during the Parade Gardens event. 

Ian Gadd, Professor of English Literature at BSU and Chair of the Board at BRLSI, said:  

“The Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution is celebrating its bicentenary this year, so it's fantastic to see BSU students working with BRLSI's collections to tell new stories about BRLSI and its place in the city of Bath.” 

BRLSI has been working with the Regeneration Team at Bath & North East Somerset Council to co-commission artwork in Parade Gardens in recognition of the institution’s original home on Terrace Walk, which adjoined the Gardens. Ian thought the Parade Gardens event would be the perfect place to showcase the students’ app and invited them on behalf of BRLSI. 

Jake Hobbs, BSc Creative Computing Programme Leader and a Project Manager on the app team, said:  

"Our collaboration with BRLSI has provided an excellent opportunity for our students to work on real-world projects and enhance their skills. The students' projects perfectly demonstrate the essence of the Creative Computing degree—leveraging technology in innovative ways to create captivating digital experiences. The team is excited to showcase the app at the Parade Gardens engagement event, helping to bring the original BRLSI building to life for attendees." 

Over the past three years, Creative Computing students from BSU have partnered with BRLSI on a series of digital research and development projects aimed to enhance public access to the institute’s globally renowned collection and shape future exhibitions at BRLSI. This collaboration has resulted in the creation of five innovative creative technology applications, including a virtual museum experience, a digital touchscreen installation featuring 3D models of the collection, and a 3D web app that uses objects from the collection to explore narratives around climate change and our oceans.  

BSU also recently announced a new partnership with BRLSI, which will bring opportunities for further collaboration, including student projects and placements, short courses, speaker slots for BSU staff and objects from BRLSI’s collection to be displayed at the University.

The Parade Gardens event runs from 25 October to 1 November. The BSU team will be in attendance on 26-27 October and 30-31 October to showcase their app in person.

Image credit: George Frederick Stone, courtesy of Andrew Stone