John Russell Beaumont
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Traces of Reality

 
 

A site-specific installation that explores the history of the Roundhouse in a social virtual reality experience.

 
 
 
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Traces of Reality is a playful, surreal augmented reality installation. Installed as part of the We Are Now Festival in the Roundhouse, London, viewers could explore an interactive virtual environment with another person.

 
 
 
 
 
 

We designed a custom headset to make a Google Project Tango function with a Google Cardboard.

 
 
 
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As the viewer walks around, the headset builds a 3D geometric abstraction of what they look at and merges it with virtual content.

 
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Fragmented memories from the building’s past are introduced, including 1960s psychedelic art from its use as an arts venue, floating barrels of gin from its use as a distillery warehouse, and a full-scale steam engine from its original purpose as a train repair station.

 
 
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Project was picked up by Raidio Teilifis Eireann (national public service broadcaster of Ireland) for an interview. Full audio available here.