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Holovis launches interactive AR app for Royal Liver Building 360 experience

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Holovis Royal Liver Building RLB 360 AR app blooloop

Holovis, a leading experience designer, has announced the launch of an interactive Augmented Reality app for the Royal Liver Building 360 experience.

Holovis is pleased to announce a new dimension to the iconic Royal Liver Building 360 experience with the addition of an interactive AR app. The much-loved 111-year-old building is at the heart of Liverpool’s historic dockland area and has recently been transformed into a unique visitor attraction.

The new AR app by Holovis enables visitors to explore the architectural designs of the building in more depth, as well as identifying key landmarks as part of the stunning views from the 15th floor. The experience opened in April 2019. Guests can now access a viewing platform and clock tower. The double clock faces, larger than Big Ben, adorn the walls. There is also a free visitor centre, located on the lower ground floor.

Bringing the clock tower to life

Holovis delivered an immersive projection-mapped show for the attraction. The turnkey production includes media produced in-house by Holovis Creative. The experience shows the story of Liverpool and its vibrant cultural history.

The unique projection mapping experience uses the internal walls of the Clock Tower. Visitors are immersed in 270-degree visuals, with accompanying surround sound.  The original score and sound effects are delivered through a 5:1 solution.

Free AR app

Now guest can also enjoy a free app which launched this month. The app was also designed and created by Holovis. It features interactive moments that take place throughout the experience. It transforms photos into videos to bring them to life. It also adds extra narratives and key images as visitors explore the building further.

When they reach the viewing platform, guests can use the app to reveal more information and key facts about the stunning city-wide view before them. The two mythical Liver Bird sculptures are also brought to life by the app. Guests can enjoy a photo opportunity with the mighty birds and share their images or videos on social media.

Unlocking more secrets

Peter Cliff, creative director at Holovis says, “The discoveries that guests make in the Visitor Centre allow them to customise their visit, by unlocking more secrets that are akin to their interests. As they progress on the 360 experience, the moments from the app perfectly complement the narrative of their guide, which is as entertaining as it is educational.

“We have added a layer of adventure and gamification to the experience, which encourages visitors to further engage. It has also given the attraction an exciting digital platform, without the need for expensive and sometimes impractical screens, especially when working in a Grade 1* listed building.

“The app is a great addition to the experience that is helping guests get more immersed in the history of the building and the wider story of the glorious city of Liverpool.”

Chris Devaney, Operations Manager for RLB360, adds, “We’re really pleased with all the positive feedback the RLB360 tower tour has been receiving from our visitors and we’re proud to already be ranked in the top 10 things to do in Liverpool on TripAdvisor. People using the app also have an opportunity to further explore not only architect W.A Thomas’s connection to the city with Google Maps linked guide to his other buildings, but also to go out and find Bella & Bertie’s extended Liver Bird family.

“It’s been a fantastic opening three months and the launch of the app is just one of the exciting announcements we’ve got coming up this summer.”

Holovis recently unveiled its new Innovation and Demonstration Center in Shanghai, along with its shareholding partner KingJoy. The five-floor complex will feature offices, innovation labs and development space for both companies, as well as serving to highlight Holovis’s innovative technologies.

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charlotte coates

Charlotte Coates

Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.

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