3D AR VIRTUAL REALITY MUSEUM

DEV. PHASE 2B

EXHIBITS    FRIENDS    HERITAGE    HOME    LIME PARK    OPEN DAYS    PARKING   TECHNOLOGY    UNESCO

It was either fated, or the most incredible set of coincidences, that brought the Generating Station's savoir together. For sure, without him, the proud new owner in 1981, had it in mind to demolish what they saw as a liability. That was until he was running short of change, and wanted to secure the skills of his best decorator & handyman.

PHASE TWO, 2B : 2-4 YEARS >> 2026-2030 - 3D AR AUGMENTED REALITY

Having attained accredited 'Museum' status in 2024, the Trust/Museum is likely to need other tourist attractions as temporary uses to generate an income to pay for the upkeep and further development of Herstmonceux Museum, aimed at Phases 3-4, preparing for and then re-installation of a National gas engine, generator, and control gear to original specification.

In early 2025 the Trust wrote to UNESCO UK seeking advice on the subject.

As another (temporary) attraction, 3D Virtual Reality displays might be incorporated in the generating, machinery, and battery rooms, such as to allow visitors to wander inside all three Sheds, to visually experience the different components of the industrial complex. Indeed, this technology may be used to help archaeologist plan out and manage site restoration, in Phase 4, in three dimensions.

The DCMS are keen to promote the use of digital technology, as part of their cultural programmes. Using Augmented VR architects and archaeologist might be able to work better together to visualize the proposed restoration, and plan how best to achieve the end goal.

The UK contributes £130,000 annually to the World Heritage Fund which finances the preservation of sites in developing countries. Some designated properties contain multiple sites that share a common geographical location or cultural heritage.

The United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO advises the British government, which is responsible for maintaining its World Heritage Sites, on policies regarding UNESCO. The UK National Commission for UNESCO conducted research in 2014–15 on the Wider Value of UNESCO to the UK, and found that the UK's World Heritage Sites generated an estimated £85 million from April 2014 to March 2015 through their association with the global network.

Augmented Reality (AR) can truly bring history to life for museum visitors. The cost of installing an AR system can vary widely based on several factors, such as the complexity of the project, the technology used, and the content creation needs.

Here are some key factors that influence the cost:

Type of AR: Marker-based AR (using images or icons as triggers) is generally less expensive than markerless AR (which uses SLAM technology for more advanced tracking).

Development Rates: Software development rates vary, but they typically range from $30 to $150 per hour.

Content Creation: The cost of creating 3D models and animations for the gas engine and generating machinery.

Hardware: Devices like AR glasses or headsets for visitors, and possibly additional sensors for tracking.

Customization: The level of customization and interactivity you want in the AR experience.

Based on these factors, a simple AR app could cost anywhere from $2,600 to $15,600, while a more complex, feature-rich system could go up to $300,000 or more. Any system installed would need to offer value for money for visitors and funding partners alike.

Historic buildings need uses, for their owners/occupiers to be able to transcend, from trading to grading.

WHAT IS AUGMENTED VR?

Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience that combines the real world and computer-generated 3D content. The content can span multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory and olfactory. AR can be defined as a system that incorporates three basic features: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects. The overlaid sensory information can be constructive (i.e. additive to the natural environment), or destructive (i.e. masking of the natural environment). As such, it is one of the key technologies in the reality-virtuality continuum.

This experience is seamlessly interwoven with the physical world such that it is perceived as an immersive aspect of the real environment. In this way, augmented reality alters one's ongoing perception of a real-world environment, whereas virtual reality completely replaces the user's real-world environment with a simulated one.

Augmented reality is largely synonymous with mixed reality. There is also overlap in terminology with extended reality and computer-mediated reality.

The primary value of augmented reality is the manner in which components of the digital world blend into a person's perception of the real world, not as a simple display of data, but through the integration of immersive sensations, which are perceived as natural parts of an environment. 

These features could provide visitors to Herstmonceux Museum with sights, sounds and even smells associated with electricity generation in the early years of the industry. The use of AR in this way, could be a world first, blending cutting edge computer technology for a unique visitor experience, that might pave the way for use on other potential World Heritage Sites.

OTHER POTENTIAL UNESCO ELECTRICITY SITES IN THE UK: BATEMANS & BATTERSEA POWER STATION

Batemans in Burwash is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the former home of the famous writer Rudyard Kipling and is listed on the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II building.

Battersea Power Station in London is also not a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, it is a Grade II* listed building, which means it is considered particularly important and of more than special interest.

Batemans in Burwash:

This is a 17th-century house that was the home of author Rudyard Kipling from 1902 until his death in 1936. The same year Charles de Roemer fired up his gas engine to be able to claim compensation from the Weald Supply Company.

It is a Grade I listed building, which means it is of exceptional historical and architectural interest. While it's not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a significant cultural landmark and a popular tourist destination, more famous for its gardens and association with Rudyard Kipling. The electricity generation at this site was limited to powering 10 light bulbs, not supplying power to any other building.

Battersea Power Station in London:

This is a former coal-fired power station that was built in the 1930s. It is a Grade II* listed building, which means it is of particularly important architectural or historic interest. It has been redeveloped in recent years and now houses shops, restaurants, and apartments.
While it's an iconic London landmark, it is not currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

These are places of outstanding universal value that are considered to be part of the cultural or natural heritage of humanity.
There are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UK, including Stonehenge, the Tower of London, and the city of Bath.

It's worth noting that the process of nominating a site for UNESCO World Heritage status is quite complex and can take many years. While neither Bateman's nor Battersea Power Station are currently on the list, it's not impossible that they could be considered in the future.

Herstmonceux Power Station:

Was a dedicated generating station in a rural location supplying the village of Herstmonceux. At present it has no beneficial use. The non-original partitions installed since 1986 could be removed for the reinstallation of a 36hp National Gas engine and associated battery store. Prior to that stage, augmented reality would allow visitors to the Museum, to see the machinery in action, as it would have been in the early 1900s. It could be that where UNESCO would not normally consider including, that due to its unique place in world history, being the only one surviving. Condition for entry onto the tentative list might be relaxed.

                CHAPTERS

               CHARACTERS

There were many other contributors. If you know of any information that may help us complete this story, please get in touch.

EXHIBITS   FRIENDS   HERITAGE   HOME   LIME PARK   OPEN DAYS   PARKING   TECHNOLOGY   UNESCO

Copyright © 2023 - 2025 Lime Park Heritage Trust. A not for profit organisation with charitable objects.