Brum AR is a new location-based augmented reality app that brings Birmingham to life in new and unexpected ways. The first release invites users to explore the city’s rich musical heritage, blending culture and technology to create a dynamic, street-level AR experience.
What We Did
– We collaborated with cultural stakeholders and local experts to create an immersive platform that is both accessible and expandable. Our work included:
– Partnering with Business Improvement Districts and cultural organisations across the city
– Collaborating with Jez Collins (Birmingham Music Archive) to curate the inaugural music-themed AR layer
– Creating interactive 3D models of key figures and moments in Birmingham’s musical past
– Developing the app using GeoSpatial Creator, powered by ARCore and Google Maps, for real-time, location-based interactions
– Building a scalable framework to allow future thematic layers (e.g. art, food, sport) to be added easily
– Ensuring cross-platform support for both iOS and Android devices
Impact
Brum AR provides residents and visitors with a unique and engaging way to connect with Birmingham’s cultural identity, starting with its globally influential music history. The app is designed to evolve, supporting new experiences over time and offering the city a digital layer of storytelling that can grow with its communities.
ClientDeveloped by BOM in collaboration with Southside BID, Colmore BID, Jewellery Quarter BID, City Curator, and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity FundServicesApp Development, 3D Modelling Animation, GeoSpatial AR (ARCore + Google Maps)
