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February 2021

Blaserturm — A Glimpse into the Past

A 3D WebAR reconstruction of Isny’s medieval watchtower, the Blaserturm.

The Blaserturm project focused on bringing one of Isny’s most iconic landmarks back to life through WebAR technology. Using high-precision 3D modeling in Blender and JavaScript-based AR frameworks, the historic watchtower was reconstructed with careful attention to architectural detail. The AR implementation allowed users to project a digital model of the tower into their surroundings using nothing more than a smartphone browser. This digital preservation effort provided educational value, allowing residents, students, and tourists to explore local history interactively. The combination of WebXR APIs, optimized textures, and lightweight WebGL rendering made the experience accessible to anyone without requiring specialized hardware. The project demonstrated how AR could bridge cultural education and modern engagement — turning history into a living, interactive experience.

Rebuilding history in augmented reality.

Made with:

WebAR, WebXR, 3D modeling (Blender), JavaScript, WebGL

Goal:

To visualize historical architecture interactively and bring heritage to life using modern tools.

Summary:

This work transformed traditional historical research into an immersive digital story. Beyond its visual appeal, it proved that WebAR can be a powerful medium for preserving architecture and engaging the public. The Blaserturm model stands as a digital monument — a symbol of how immersive technology can make the past tangible again. It set the tone for future XR heritage projects by showing that meaningful storytelling and technology can coexist seamlessly.