Polish developers want to digitally reconstruct the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp as accurately as possible. VR goggles are to be used to explore the camp in its original architectural state.
With the 3D reconstruction, the Polish Real Invented Studio wants to create a "universally understandable history lesson" that will be remembered for a long time in the form of a VR experience. The developers believe that this new way of conveying information will appeal to pupils and students in particular, but also to associations of relatives of victims as well as guards of such concentration camps and, of course, museums and public institutions.
For the reconstruction of the ground plan and terrain, the developers utilise current satellite images, aerial photographs of allied forces and historical maps. 3D placeholders for buildings and smaller objects are to be gradually replaced by realistic and detailed 3D models. Eyewitness reports and camp photos of concentration camp guards help with this.
Participate in virtual films
In a final step, the developers want to implement so-called scenarios. These are self-running events that recreate life in the camp and which the user can take part in. Examples include the journey to the gas chambers (from the death train to the gas clouds), the daily nightmare of a prisoner or camp number (the story of prisoners who have to give up their identity for a number and are thus degraded).
In addition to these scenarios, the finished VR experience will offer a mode for free exploration including interactions with objects as well as the opportunity to view historical documents and interviews with survivors.
Auschwitz reconstruction convicts concentration camp guard
The free explorability of the camp area could not only be of documentary relevance: an earlier VR simulation of the camp served as evidence in a sensational court case, as we reported. The 3D all-round view with the VR glasses proved that the former SS-Unterscharführer Reinhold Hanning must have witnessed the crimes from his post.
The developers are currently dependent on financial support and are looking for sponsors: There is currently a Kickstarter campaignalternatively you can use the official website donate to the project via Paypal or bank account. On the Facebook page you can also keep up to date.
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