AR Journey Futuring: Revolutionizing Hanover’s Urban Landscape with AR VR

In a remarkable fusion of technology, art, and community engagement, the city of Hanover witnessed a groundbreaking event: AR Journey Futuring. Spearheaded by visionary artist Vira DG, with the support of KV e.V. Kunsthalle Hanover and the Hanover City Municipality, this initiative has set a new benchmark for participatory urban development.

Pioneering AR and VR in Urban Development

AR Journey Futuring is an innovative program that leverages Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to reshape how we perceive and interact with urban spaces. By integrating these cutting-edge technologies, the program aims to enhance Hanover’s cultural infrastructure, making it a beacon of technological and educational advancement.

Educational Innovations and Community Engagement

Central to AR Journey Futuring is its commitment to education and community involvement. The program featured workshops and collaborative projects that brought together local government officials, community organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and children of Ukrainian immigrants. These activities were designed to be inclusive and sustainable, fostering a sense of community while promoting technological literacy.

Participants engaged in a series of workshops that explored the use of VR and AR in various human activities. These sessions provided hands-on experience with international strategies for shaping the future using new technologies. From prototyping ideas to utilizing AI tools, participants were encouraged to think creatively and develop AR projects tailored to Hanover’s unique urban landscape.

Commemorative Practices at Aegidien Church (Aegidienkirche)

A highlight of AR Journey Futuring was the commemorative VR practice held at the historic Aegidien Church (Aegidienkirche), a solemn WWII memorial in the heart of Hanover. This immersive experience honored the memory of war victims and highlighted the devastating impact of World War II on the city. By using VR to recreate wartime experiences, participants could deeply empathize with the city’s past and reflect on its journey of recovery and resilience.

AR Sculptures at Aegidien Church

Several AR sculptures were created specifically for the Aegidien Church, each telling a unique story of human experience and resilience:

• “Memories” by Vira DG: This kinetic sculpture is a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit of those who survived the horrors of war. The floating balls, once symbols of doom, transform into beacons of hope and resilience.

• “Heaven and Earth” by Harro Schmidt: Featuring levitating spheres adorned in grass-green and shimmering silver, this sculpture symbolizes harmony and equilibrium with the natural world. It also subtly nods to Christian symbolism, adding layers of meaning and spiritual resonance.

Exploring the Possibilities of AR

AR Journey Futuring did not stop at commemorative practices. It expanded into various realms of artistic and scientific exploration, showcasing the limitless possibilities of AR.

Artistic Explorations

• Nikola Maria’s “What is Gravity”: An exploratory AR project that challenges the laws of reality. By using Gravity Sketch, Nikola created an open, free-floating structure that invites viewers to rethink their perceptions of gravity and space.

• Harro DB Schmidt’s “Rain Vessel”: A metaphorical sculpture capturing the essence of celestial offerings, symbolizing the nurturing power of art.

• Vira DG’s “Morphing I & II”: These sculptures embody transformation and resilience, reflecting Hanover’s history of destruction and rebirth. They capture the eternal dance of opposites and the perpetual cycle of change. “Morphing II”

Scientific and Natural Explorations

• Michaela Hanemann’s AR Flowers Project: This AR-infused research project explores the aesthetic preferences of bees. By creating abstract flower-like installations and observing bee behavior, Michaela delves into the enigmatic world of bees and their potential artistic sensibilities.
• Eda Duru Çağıltı’s Butterflies: An AR butterfly sculpture that represents life as a collection of free, colorful butterflies. This project highlights the connection between human creativity and technology, showcasing the beauty of augmented reality.

Conclusion

AR Journey Futuring has proven to be a transformative event for Hanover. By integrating AR and VR into urban development and educational initiatives, it has opened new horizons for technological and artistic expression. This program not only honors the city’s past but also paves the way for a future where technology and creativity coexist harmoniously. As AR Journey Futuring continues to evolve, it promises to inspire and shape the urban landscapes of tomorrow, making Hanover a model for cities worldwide.

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