This project, commissioned as part of the “Aktywny Kreatywny” initiative (which fosters collaboration between the Polish and Norwegian creative sectors in alignment with EU strategies), involved creating a comprehensive digital representation of the “Baltic Home” concept and exploring the use of XR technologies for enhancing exhibitions.
To showcase Baltic Home Oslo, a virtual gallery and digital presentation were developed. Accessible at https://aktywnykreatywny.eu/en/baltic-home-oslo/ , the presentation utilizes professional photography, interactive 360° panoramas, and VR elements to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience. Baltic Home itself aims to encourage collaboration and exchange in the Baltic Sea region, centered on design, architecture, and shared cultural identity.
Complementing the digital presentation, a series of practical workshops were organized to explore the potential of extended reality (XR) technologies within exhibition design and the broader cultural heritage sector. These hands-on workshops provided participants with a practical understanding of how XR – encompassing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) – can be used to create more engaging, interactive, and immersive museum and gallery experiences. The workshops covered topics such as 360° video production, AR app development, VR environment design, user experience considerations for XR. The goal was to empower participants to move beyond traditional display methods and explore new ways to connect audiences with content.
The Baltic Home project, supported by the “Aktywny Kreatywny” program, serves as a compelling example of how digital technologies can be used to foster international collaboration and promote cultural exchange. Extended Media’s creation of a virtual gallery and digital presentation, combined with hands-on XR workshops, not only showcased the Baltic Home concept but also demonstrated the potential of these technologies to transform how we experience and interact with cultural heritage. The project’s success points towards a future where XR plays an increasingly important role in connecting people and ideas across borders.