Slot Zuylen – Time Switch AR
The Client
Slot Zuylen is a castle near the village of Oud-Zuilen, north of the city of Utrecht. It was originally built in the 13th century and has been open to the public as a museum for over 50 years.
The Question
The foundation that manages the museum was looking for a way to visually bring the castle to life. VR Owl was asked to help develop an AR app.
The Solution
A smartphone application that allows visitors to explore the castle themselves with an interactive map and four augmented reality visualizations.
Welcome to Slot Zuylen
The application begins with an introduction by the Lord of Zuylen. An old painting with a portrait comes to life and welcomes the visitor. The Lord narrates the history of the castle and its inhabitants. He then talks about the possibilities of the application and what the visitor can expect from it.
The Map and Markers
The interactive map of the castle contains four locations with something to experience. When selecting a location on the map a question appears. An answer to each question is given after scanning the marker at the corresponding location. The markers were made for Slot Zuylen based on the history and characteristics of the castle.
The AR Visualizations
In total, there are four locations to visit that offer a glimpse into the past. After scanning, a 3D model appears, displayed in the same place where the object once stood. For example, outside along the wall, you can place an old bridge and visualize the defensive wall. Inside, you can place a medieval bed and visualize a fireplace where the castle’s family used to gather in the past.
