Stories of Santa Rita and Public Housing
A virtual reality experience.
Duration: APR 2023 - MAY 2023
Project Objectives
This project aims to highlight the history of the Santa Rita Courts, the first public housing project developed in 1939 under the 1937 Housing Act. The Santa Rita Courts is located in the Holly Neighborhood in East Austin which is undergoing gentrification.
Design Process
My conceptualization for the VR tour project was to show the viewer the grounds of Santa Rita Courts using the Insta360 vr camera. Then to add in history facts and markers throughout the tour with historical photos.
During the planning phase, I walked the Santa Rita Courts to understand the layout of the complex. I realized it would be ideal for the VR tour to start in the center of the grounds where the main sign is.
Context and Background
It is significant on a national level as the first public housing project finished under the 1937 Housing Act, and also important to the history of the Mexican American community in East Austin. The target audience for this project was high school history teachers and students.
Implementation
During the development process, I walked the grounds with the Insta 360 camera and took 5 photos that would be intuitive to the user walking around the complex. Within those photos, I included photos and facts about the Santa Rita Courts. Utilizing Lapentor, I added in photos with descriptions, text boxes and links in every part of the Virtual tour.
Conclusion
The overall impact of this project has highlighted the importance of showcasing history in an evolving neighborhood which is undergoing gentrification. This teaches high school students that there is history behind everything as long as we take the time to do the research.