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Creating interactive 360 heritage site tours for web

Key features

360 photography team travelled across Iraq to shoot

 

Capturing high definition 4k 360 photography and drone footage

 

360 tours were used both in virtual reality headsets and web

 

Key media and information embedded across each tour

In 2014, the Yazidis, an ancient community with a blend of beliefs, faced an unimaginable horror as ISIS declared them heretics. Homes were lost, lives shattered, and a culture nearly erased in a blink.

The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies – Inclusive Citizenship and Human Rights Project approached Glitch with a crucial mission: to convey the stark realities of the Yazidi genocide, preserving these critical narratives to enlighten and deepen empathy among its audience. The challenge was clear—how could they effectively bridge the gap between these distant experiences and the everyday lives of their audience?

Technical Innovation Meets Human Compassion

Glitch Studios, with it´s pioneering spirit, developed the concept for a 360° tour, offering an immersive experience that would transport viewers to the very heart of the Yazidi plight. In close collaboration with the The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies, we ventured into the volatile landscapes of Iraq, supported by local guides and security, to capture 360° photography, blending the immersive quality of VR and interactive web, with the authenticity of real locations.

About the Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies

The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies in Oslo stands as a beacon of education and remembrance, dedicated to the historical context of the Holocaust and the ongoing persecution of religious minorities, underscoring the importance of learning from the past to address contemporary issues of injustice and persecution.

A Multisensory Experience

Glitch utilized a medium format camera to capture 150 high-resolution shots per scene, intricately stitched to craft seamless, immersive experiences. This allowed viewers to freely explore and zoom into details without losing image quality. By incorporating spatial audio, the project enhanced immersion significantly. Interactive hotspots provided educational context, transforming the tour into a comprehensive learning experience both online on web and through Oculus Go headsets at the Norwegian Holocaust Centre in Oslo. Overcoming challenges like texture size limitations highlighted Glitch Studios’ commitment to quality and innovation, preserving the authenticity of the narrative.

“Visiting and documenting the sacred spaces, culture, and struggles of the Yazidis offered a profound and immersive experience that connected deeply with a broader audience.”
Stephen Aaland – 360 photographer – Glitch Studios

An experience that matters

The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies’ 360° tour has been lauded for its clarity, immersion, and emotional depth, setting a new standard for digital storytelling. By offering a window into the lives of the Yazidi survivors, the project serves as a powerful reminder of the grave atrocities they endured and highlights their enduring strength and resilience.

Currently the tours have found a permanent home within the Inclusive Citizenship and Human Rights Project, one of the many The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies’ initiatives.

Exploring the future

As technology advances, so do the possibilities for storytelling. The team is already exploring cutting-edge techniques like Gaussian splatting for future projects, promising even more engaging and lifelike experiences. This project not only signifies a leap forward for Glitch Studios but also exemplifies the profound impact of marrying technology with humanitarian narratives.

Committed to innovation, Glitch Studios continues to lead in digital storytelling, continually pushing the boundaries to create meaningful, impactful experiences that not only tell stories but also inspire change and understanding.

Explore all the Inclusive Citizenship 360 tours here