Over Time AR 1.0.3

Monument Lab’s OverTime is a public art and technology platform aimed at delving deeper into a city's rich history. The platform provides educational, self-guided tours of public spaces through a free augmented reality app. By unveiling the multiple layers of history, significance, and interpretations of various sites via personal smart devices, OverTime offers users an immersive experience guided by a virtual tour leader. This transforms the outdoor environment into a captivating art and history museum, enabling users to explore the narratives, memories, and diverse perspectives associated with significant streets or intersections.

The inaugural prototype tour, hosted by distinguished poet Ursula Rucker, will be accessible to the public at the renowned Art Museum steps. OverTime sheds light on stories through a dynamic timeline, panoramic city views, and an innovative perspective on the Rocky statue's art history. Each stop along the tour is structured around thought-provoking research queries: What historical events unfolded on this spot? What landmarks can be seen from here? How does this statue resonate with your personal interpretation?

Monument Lab collaborates with Dream Syndicate, local technologists from Philadelphia, to bring OverTime to life. This pioneering platform is strategically designed for safe outdoor exploration, offering visitors the flexibility to engage onsite while adhering to social distancing measures or opt for remote participation for enhanced accessibility and public health considerations. Through the app, visitors’ insights are collected and shared on Monument Lab's website for broader engagement.

Thanks to a generous grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, OverTime was developed in partnership with the Center for Public Art and Space at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design.