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Inside the Virtual White House: Designing an Immersive Historical Experience

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    Description

    How do you turn one of the most recognized buildings in the United States into an immersive digital experience? This case study will present the development behind an innovative immersive installation created in partnership with Cortina Productions and the White House Historical Association. Using real-time rendering and radar touch technology, a rectangular exhibition space was transformed into multiple rooms of the White House in The People’s House. We’ll walk through the project’s inception, from the 3D scanning of artifacts to the resolution of visual discrepancies between digital architecture and the physical limitations. A central challenge of the project was translating the rooms—each with unique dimensions and architectural features—into a single rectangular physical space, without sacrificing immersion. The talk will cover strategies for preserving historical accuracy while working efficiently, including the challenges of scale, optimization, material research, and accessibility.

    Key Learnings

    • Learn about translating 3D assets and environments in software to physical spaces.
    • Learn about collaborating with cultural institutions on digital storytelling.
    • Learn about approaches to balancing architectural fidelity, user experience, and feasibility.
    • Learn about using technology to fully immerse a visitor and build impactful experiences while maintaining accessibility.

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