An innovative, conservation-focused video game is now available to download following a two-year collaboration between Professor Benachir Medjdoub, an expert in digital architecture at Nottingham Trent University, and pupils from Loughborough Schools Foundation.
The game, which aims to educate children on the importance of protecting heritage architecture, is available to schools and community centres to download free of charge. With a focus on the restoration of Nottingham Cathedral, the game is narrated by Augustus Pugin – the architect behind many iconic buildings – and players are tasked to defeat ‘monsters,’ representing mould, cracks and humidity, to save the cathedral from ruin.
Alongside Loughborough Grammar School, pupils were involved in storyboarding as well as game testing, and have been part of a variety of workshops involving VR (virtual reality) experiences throughout the development of the game.
In an interview with BBC Radio Nottingham last week, Year 11 pupil, Alexa, said: “It’s been really cool to work with the uni and go through the stages of developing the game. We thought about what could affect the building, like mould, cracks and humidity, and how we could turn them into monsters that you defeat to save the building.”
Year 10 pupil, Benjamin, from Loughborough Grammar School, added: “I really wanted to help younger children learn about restoration and the importance of conserving historical buildings.”
The project has been hugely insightful for Loughborough Schools Foundation’s pupils by giving them a deeper understanding of the issues facing many heritage buildings. It also highlighted the breadth of opportunity surrounding careers in architecture and heritage conservation, such as the incorporation of graphic design, virtual reality and computing.
Houda Benhamouda, Head of Computing and Digital Literacy at Loughborough Schools Foundation said: “The collaboration between Loughborough Grammar School, Loughborough High School, and NTU in the Restoring Pugin project was a remarkable journey which not only fostered creativity and critical thinking among our talented pupils but also highlighted the importance of preserving our heritage through innovative technology.
“The experiences and contributions of the young designers underscore the significance of involving young minds in heritage conservation, ensuring that the legacy of historical landmarks continues to inspire future generations.”
