Virtual Reality Experience: Belle Époque Rheinfelden

On 1 May, on the occasion of the Spring Awakening, visitors to the Rheinfelden Tourism stand were able to take a virtual journey back in time to the Belle Époque. Using deep learning, 3D scanning, UAV photogrammetry and 3D modelling, the developers have created an astonishing time epic. It is now possible to immerse yourself in this apparent world again.

To mark the 125th anniversary of the tourism association, those responsible presented a special offer. Using virtual reality glasses, visitors could immerse themselves in the world of the Belle Époque. You were beamed into the Marktgasse around 1893 and could watch the people and listen to the town chatter of the time.

History meets the future. This is the title under which Claus Pfisterer, a photographer from Rheinfelden, developed the virtual Marktgasse. The project is not based on history - it is intended to give an insight into what it might have looked like in the past and what is possible with new technologies. It's astonishing, because if you take a closer look at the faces, one or two people from the present day look familiar.

The faces of the characters are not fictitious

For the project, numerous people from Rheinfeld were photographed using a special camera on a tablet in the photo studio and transformed into a 3D figure. Three models positioned themselves in a special photo box wearing costumes borrowed from the Fricktal stage. At the touch of a button, 64 cameras took a picture at the same time. After extensive post-processing, the models were transformed into 3D figures and inserted into the virtual Marktgasse.

To create the "backdrop", the Marktgasse was flown over with a drone on a quiet Sunday morning. These images were then combined in the computer to create a three-dimensional image. Small adjustments such as a pavement or street lamps were added to make the Marktgasse look like it did in 1893.

However, Rheinfelden hardly looked like it did in the film back then. It is not a historical project, but a cultural one, says Stéphanie Berthoud, Managing Director of Rheinfelden Tourismus. The colours of the houses, for example, have not been historically researched. However, the clothing worn by the characters is consistent.

The virtual world can now be viewed again in the city library until the end of the year.

How did people in Rheinfelden celebrate 1 August in the 19th century?

With this in mind: Happy 1st August!

Source: Rheinfelden / Virtual Valley