MCC Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality and Holographic Technology Platform

Reliving the Sacra Infermeria at the Mediterranean Conference Center, Malta was a fully digital history re-enactment project.

The Brief

The Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC), in Valletta sought a mobile application that encompass the user into a holistic experience. MCC wanted to deliver an engaging experience within its building using augmented reality and holographic technology. Early discussions indicated that a Content Management System (CMS) was required, helping to manage the experience on the user’s mobile applications, and helping them deliver custom 3D content, making the AR experience all the more engaging.

The Solution

Born Digital was tasked with creating an AR mobile app, developed through AR-Core and AR-Kit, ensuring it would run efficiently on both platforms. A 360 AR view was needed, using GPS location and compass information to display virtual pointers in the form of computer generated graphics, surrounding the user. Using this technology would enable the user to have a total immersion experience. The app, serves as a guide, enabling the users to move through various areas of the MCC. At every stage of the tour, information is provided to the user. This information is delivered through AR alongside other methods of multimedia. Audio narration available via the mobile app throughout the stops of the tour. User location tracked by Bluetooth Beacon technology. CMS accessed through a web platform and available through a dedicated URL. CMS incorporates a responsive design for use on mobile devices. CMS provides functionality to MCC administration, enabling a modification of tour in terms of itinerary. CMS allows management of multimedia (audio, images and video) together with AR 3D models used to appear in specific locations. Including administration related to AR stickers, AR time windows and 360 AR-view content. CMS includes management of tickets to the entrance to MCC. In addition, it allows the MCC administration to oversee tickets being purchased through the mobile application. A life-size holographic representation of a historical character was designed and produced. Alongside which, content needed to be displayed.

The Results

This holistic project delivered a re-enacted Relive the Sacra Infermeria in what is today Malta’s Mediterranean Conference Centre, where technology meets heritage. This mobile application delivers a cutting edge experience that uses augmented reality that enables you to relive what happened in this building centuries ago when it was used as the first hospital in Malta. Tech used enables museum-goers to witness the last rites, standing next to the grand-master during the blessing of the chapel and roam the kitchen while slaves are working on their daily routine. All this with much more is available through this app that will make their visit a memorable one. The main features of the mobile application are: Augmented Reality Videos of historically accurate events that took place at the Sacra Infermeria and can be experienced using the MCC Malta Mobile App; Augmented Reality Games that enable museum-attendees to be part of the action witnessed during the Second World War; Create their own Augmented Reality scene and dance with the main characters using special AR Builder; See what the Chapel of the Bones looked like before it was bombed during WW2; Explore the museum at a leisurely pace while listening to the detailed audio guide and discovering multimedia content related to every stop; Reach the special Holographic Display room where you can have a close encounter with a digital life-size version of Grand-master De Valette.