New app reveals how Coventry Cathedral looked before Blitz bombing

Central
West Midlands
Coventry
Coventry Cathedral
Tuesday 25 October 2016 at 12:56pm

Visitors standing inside the ruins will be able to experience a 3D virtual reality recreation of St Michael’s Cathedral. Credit: PA

A new app will allow users to see what Coventry Cathedral would have looked like, had it not been bombed during the Second World War.

Visitors standing inside the building can use the 'RISING Ruins’ app to experience a 3D virtual reality recreation of St Michael’s Cathedral.

The app uses ‘Google Tango’ technology which also detects the user’s position relative to their surroundings.

This means if they’re using a cardboard virtual reality headset with the device, immersive 3D images will change as if the user is standing in the building and looking around.

The app will be available for visitors to try out on the 15 November 2016. Credit: PA

It is thought to be the first time that this type of technology has been used to rebuild a historically significant place in this way.

‘RISING Ruins' has been created by the RISING Global Peace Forum, funded by Coventry University working in collaboration with Coventry Cathedral.

The app will be called ‘RISING Ruins' Credit: PA

Sean Graham is one of the learning technologists from Coventry University who is helping to develop the software. He said:

The app will be available for visitors to try out on 15 November 2016.