The figures in Zwickau Cathedral are learning to speak
Who were the people behind the figures at and inside Zwickau Cathedral? Computer science students at WHZ are now letting three of them tell their own stories – via smartphone or VR glasses.
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3D-printed replicas of the Zwickau Cathedral figures. Visitors can use QR codes to digitally explore these historical figures on their own smartphones. © J. Jeschke/WHZ
Many people walk past them without knowing who they once were. A total of 62 stone figures are located in and around St. Mary’s Cathedral in Zwickau. They depict figures from the Old and New Testaments as well as prominent figures from the Reformation and the city’s history. In the future, three of them will tell their own stories. This is made possible by software developed by computer science students at the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences in Zwickau (WHZ).
They recently presented their project at a public demonstration in Zwickau’s St. Mary’s Cathedral. Now, former city councilman Stephan Roth, former mayor Hermann Mühlpfort, and mining pioneer Barbara Uthmann will have their say.
Figures that speak directly to visitors
On the exterior facade, visitors can access the talking figures using their own smartphones. QR codes lead them to the digital experience. Inside the cathedral, VR headsets will be available in the future. VR stands for virtual reality. This allows visitors to experience the figures in a digital environment. They address their counterparts directly and share stories from their lives. The experience also includes small, playful tasks.
This form of engagement is new for the parish. The history that has so far been embodied primarily in the stone figures is thus to become digitally accessible as well.
Two semesters for the prototype
The students worked on the project for two semesters. One group first assessed what was technically feasible. Based on this, the second group developed a prototype. This prototype will be further refined over the next six months so that visitors can use the experience as easily as possible. The student team was international. In addition to students from Germany, students from Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, and Armenia were also involved.
Why only three out of a total of 62 cathedral figures? The reason is primarily practical. “The vast majority of the figures are located well above the viewers’ eye level. Barbara Uthmann and Stephan Roth are positioned at eye level, which was an advantage for the project,” says Dagmar Behnken, community educator for the Zwickau City Parish. Hermann Mühlpfort, a former mayor, was included to highlight the connection to the city.
The congregation is already considering how to incorporate additional figures in the future. The display on the exterior facade can also be viewed when the cathedral is closed. The VR headsets, on the other hand, are only available inside. The technology could also be used for church tours in the future.
