Rotterdam played a significant role in Dutch colonialism and the slave trade. To acknowledge and educate, the City of Rotterdam and Artishock XR Productions envisioned a digital city tour to engage students and raise awareness. They turned to Orb to make this vision technically possible, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience.

Striking a balance between accessibility and depth, we developed an app with an interactive map, blending AR, 360 VR, and storytelling. Each historical site reveals stories of colonial figures and those who resisted oppression, creating a compelling educational experience.

Now used in schools, the app transforms history lessons into immersive journeys, allowing students to step into the past and gain a deeper understanding of Rotterdam’s history and its global impact.

Unlike traditional tours, this project uses immersive tech to educate rather than entertain. Partnering with Artishock and the City of Rotterdam, we redefined the format, turning hidden histories into powerful, interactive experiences.