Background and Project Overview

The overarching goal of this project is to expand the existing web application Mapping Austrofascism and transform it into a mobile mixed reality app. The app builds on the scientific research of the Campus Medius publication and design lab, known for its extensive studies on Austrofascism and anti-fascist movements. The lab also makes key historical events—particularly those of May 13 and 14, 1933—digitally accessible to a wider audience.

To achieve this, data on political and cultural actors, as well as historically significant events from this period, were linked with datasets from Kulturpool, the Wien Museum, the Austrian National Library, and other sources. The result is a scientifically sound, interconnected information network that reconstructs the political situation and historical context of these events.

In this project, we create a multisensory experience that brings the events of May 13 and 14, 1933 to life. This is achieved in several ways:

• Visually: Augmented reality (AR) overlays provide users with information directly at historically significant locations.
• Audibly: Historical sound recordings and newly composed soundscapes enhance the atmosphere.
• Textually: Contextualized sources and documents provide deeper background and insight.

Being physically present at the locations where important events took place, while simultaneously receiving well-researched multisensory information, offers a new, immersive way to experience history. The project thus combines scholarly accuracy with innovative forms of knowledge communication.

Target Groups

The application is designed for anyone interested in the political history of the interwar period, especially those who are tech-savvy. Thanks to its intuitive user guide, it is also easy for less tech-experienced users to navigate.

Key target groups include:

• Visitors to Vienna and educational tourists – English- and German-speaking users who want to explore Austrian history and experience the city in a unique, personal way.
• University students – who can use the app for courses or excursions and experience historical events on site in a more immersive and interactive way than traditional methods.
• Teachers and pupils – who benefit from location-based, immersive history education that makes political events of the interwar period tangible and engaging.

Impact and Sustainability

The application developed in this project will be freely available as open source software and can be easily further developed thanks to its modular design. It is suitable not only for historical research but can also be extended to artistic, educational, or social topics.

The project’s partners, focus, and structure ensure long-term visibility within Austria’s cultural heritage landscape, supported by the scientific guidance of St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences. The project’s flexible methods and publications provide both inspiration and a practical example for other cultural heritage initiatives.

A key highlight of the project is the use of mixed reality in public spaces. This expands the reach of contemporary art beyond traditional museum contexts and enables broader public engagement.