Limina Studios’ Groundbreaking AlUla Project Earns Praise from Matterport

Limina Studios seeks to invigorate the past through technology. It offered the really old but really promising opportunity of combining innovation and storytelling in its engagement to capture the essence of Al-Ula, one of Saudi Arabia’s historically rich cities. This is more than just a virtual tour; it is the preservation of a legacy. The efforts gained recognition from Matterport, the international player in the 3D world of capture technology.

AlUla Bringing to You 

Nestled in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, AlUla tells a story with every angle it presents. From the ancient tombs and terrible rock formations that speak of the troubled time to the sounds of market life, this city has an anthropological record of over 200,000 years. 

When the Royal Commission for AlUla asked us to make a digital twin of this iconic site, we knew that the work would require precision and a great deal of respect for its cultural weight.

Equipped with Matterport’s revolutionary Pro 3 camera, our team was ready to digitally document five of the most gorgeous sites of AlUla: 

• Old Town, a maze of timeworn streets and historic architecture
• Elephant Rock, a geological marvel sculpted by nature
• The Tomb of Lihyan, a window into ancient burial practices
• Jabal Al Banat, a mountain adorned with unique natural formations
• Jabal Ithlab, a site steeped in religious and cultural significance

A unique interrelationship of light and shadow at AlUla was timed precisely for each scan to create a virtual experience reflecting the flow of the day. The outcome is a journey where viewers can experience the city as if they were walking its paths, soaking in the details of carved tombs, climbing to a fort for sweeping views, or stumbling on the hidden gems that make AlUla what it is: enchanting.

Grabbing Global Attention

The work of our hands did not only reach out to the extent we envisaged but shook the whole world. Apart from displaying our AlUla digital twin, Matterport went a step further and regarded it as an example of advanced technology. They further commented on the scope of the undertaking saying It’s not just a modeling of AlUla; it’s a cultural institution, a stage for the history of AlUla to be played on a world canvas.

As one of our co-founders, Farhad, explained it in a more poetic way: “Our main goal was to have them feel as though they have unearthed a great secret, which would cause them to be intrigued to know more or to actually go to AlUla. Creating that feeling of awe is simply breathtaking.”

In addition, the success of the project enabled us to win the 2023 Digital Twin Award for the historical category- an achievement that confirms Limina Studios as one of the leading companies in the integrative cultural and technological spheres.

Importance of Digital Twins

Digital twins are a great revolution in regard to the conservation and dissemination of culture and heritage. They help us reproduce scenes for valuable places that may be destroyed or made difficult to reach and see by many people.

In the case of AlUla twin, the viewers can see not just the buildings of the town but its very spirit as well. With this immersive experience, we have ensured AlUla’s legacy is preserved and also makes it possible for the coming generations to enjoy it. 

Wider Scope

That said, focusing on the preservation of history and culture is important, but it is not the only application we have for our digital twin technology. As Farhad put it, “Matterport’s tools have totally changed our approach to projects, making it possible to work cross-site, improve production processes, and deliver effective results in a timely manner.”

Our activities are varied: real estate, retail, as well as oil and gas fields. If we create a virtual tour of an ancient site or model complicated industrial spaces, we put equal effort and creativity into each assignment.

Conclusion 

In this technology-enabled cultural talent, Limina Studios displays a mark for innovation and conservation. AlUla digital twin is not only a feat of technology but rather a work of history that can easily open an ancient city to the rest of the world. Being recognized by Matterport and awarded the 2023 Digital Twin Award makes us even more inspired to push even further. Be it for heritage, visceral real estate experiences, or complex industrial spaces, our know-how delivers against the ever-adapting array of demands and requirements. So, if you’re ready to turn that idea into meaningful, interactive reality, talk to us today and let’s build something magnificent together.