Two enthusiasts, one of local history, the other of new technologies, work together to develop an immersive experience in the Coursan of yesteryear.
We no longer need to introduce Claude de Pablo, Coursannais pur cru, correspondent for Midi-Free and The Independent for more than three decades, known and recognized by all as a true enthusiast of his commune. In its archives, more than 4,000 photographs, postcards and various documents of Coursan over the ages, gleaned and preserved since he was 17 years old. After publishing a book
in 2021 and two exhibitions, the last of which on the occasion of Heritage Days, Claude wants to go further by bringing together part of his collection on a website.This is where “his” computer scientist and friend, of course from Coursannais, Jonathan Joly comes into play, who set up his own computer troubleshooting, video editing and website creation company, Ekleipsi Médias, 4 years ago. The project then took a completely different turn. . “On a website, anyone could have recovered my photos, says Claudius.
During my exhibition in September in the Miro room, Jonathan came to see me and said: “I have the solution, virtual reality!”.
Transcend the barrier between the PC and the user Helmet on the head, joysticks on the wrists, we are instantly teleported to a 300 m² showroom. Using laser pointers, we walk through the aisles to discover the panels, 30 in total, which contain more than a hundred photos and documents of Coursan from the past. “The challenge was to create a site for virtual reality immersion, without installing any software beforehand,explains Jonathan Joly
A digital exhibition accessible to all without moving. To live an optimal experience, it will of course be necessary to be equipped with a virtual reality helmet. A digital exhibition accessible to all without moving. To live an optimal experience, it will of course be necessary to be equipped with a virtual reality headset.
THE INDEPENDENT – DRResult: an experience as if you were there! With all the resulting possibilities and applications. “ We could, for example, go to nursing homes to show the exhibition to the elderly, or even in schools”, resumes Claudius. Moreover, “the virtual universe was developed by thinking about accessibility for people with disabilities, Jonathan adds. It was an important point.” When you point to a photo, it magically appears in your hand, as if you were holding it between your fingers. Whether you are standing or in an armchair, you can therefore appreciate all the shots, read the texts, and miss nothing of the event.
“We could also create group sessions in order to connect people with each other and allow them to interact during the visit”.
Web 3.0 to reach young people Another stated objective: to make heritage more attractive to young audiences.
“If we want to reach young people, we have to use their communication channels. Today, virtual reality headsets are mainly used for their playful side (video games) but are becoming more democratic by displaying increasingly affordable prices”. Other surrounding municipalities have already expressed their interest in the concept. “It could indeed be adapted to other villages”,says Claude, who submitted his project to the 2 e
Claude de Pablo has archived over 500 period photos of Coursan. A hundred enlargements, exhibited during Heritage Days, are now online. Claude de Pablo has archived over 500 period photos of Coursan. A hundred enlargements, exhibited during Heritage Days, are now online.
THE INDEPENDENT – JP
“20 years of Coursan, from 2000 to 2020” is still on sale at Coursan, at the Super U, at the caveau de la Clape and at Coursan Information Patrimoine.(**)
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