Ockenburgh Stronghold

Initiator: Barricade Studio - XR Zone Team (Early VR Demo for Education Outreach) Duration: ~1 month Platform: VR Simulation based on a digital historical model Focus: Heritage education, interactive learning for primary schools

The Ockenburg project was a short, focused initiative with a big impact: to recreate a Roman stronghold in VR for a school outreach demo. Designed for an elementary school group, the experience allowed children to explore a digitally reconstructed Roman fortress and engage with history in a hands-on, playful way.

Based on a documented web-based archaeological model, the XR Zone team rebuilt the site as an immersive environment complete with interactive tasks. Children could explore rooms, shoot virtual arrows, stack ancient-style blocks, and learn about Roman life through game-like mechanics. The idea was to ignite curiosity and make abstract historical concepts tangible and memorable.

The entire development took just a few weeks but provided valuable lessons for both the developers and educators. It demonstrated how VR can effectively bridge the gap between static knowledge and lived experience, especially for younger audiences.

The project was also a precursor to more structured educational collaborations. By translating cultural heritage into immersive play, the Ockenburg simulation showcased how virtual reconstructions can support curriculum enrichment and inspire the next generation of learners.