fablab@aup.ac.uk
Ashnihilation: augmented reality for ecological storytelling
Ashnihilation: augmented reality for ecological storytelling
Ashnihilation: augmented reality for ecological storytelling
Projects

Ashnihilation: augmented reality for ecological storytelling

An augmented reality artwork by Dr Tom Milnes, co-created with students and supported by Fab Lab South West 3D scanning, that engaged the public with ash dieback through seven twilight performances on Plymouth Hoe, Devon, and mobile AR access city-wide.

Commissioned through Green Minds (Plymouth City Council, ERDF/UIA), Ashnihilation used Microsoft HoloLens on Plymouth Hoe, Devon, alongside mobile AR and spatial audio to turn ecological data into an immersive public experience. Fab Lab South West supported the project’s 3D scanning and fabrication workflow, helping transform local landmarks and biodiversity into animated, site-specific characters that invited new conversations about nature, place and climate.

The project

Ashnihilation explores how immersive technology can deepen public understanding of ash dieback and biodiversity loss. Led by Dr Tom Milnes at Arts University Plymouth, the project combined performance, augmented reality and sound to create a night-time journey on Plymouth Hoe, with characters derived from 3D scans of local landmarks and species.

Our approach

  • Advanced capture & making: Fab Lab South West supported 3D scanning and digital fabrication for the project’s assets, integrating photogrammetry and scan data into a pipeline for HoloLens and mobile AR.

  • Interdisciplinary co-creation: Students and alumni from animation, costume and sound contributed to character design, performance and spatial audio, gaining hands-on experience in immersive media and live public engagement.

  • Accessible dissemination: Beyond the seven Hoe performances, QR-coded pamphlets enabled mobile AR access, extending reach across the city and into exhibition contexts.

Results & impact

  • Public engagement: Seven twilight events on Plymouth Hoe attracted 174 participants from community and professional groups, supported by volunteers recruited through local cultural organisations.

  • Wider reach: Mobile AR via QR codes brought the experience to new audiences and informed further showings in public spaces and conferences.

  • Skills & innovation: Practice-based R&D in AR, spatial audio and 3D scanning delivered employability outcomes for students and a replicable model for civic, nature-based storytelling.

Technologies used

Microsoft HoloLens • Mobile AR • Photogrammetry & 3D scanning • Spatial audio • Unreal Engine • Digital fabrication support

Partners & credits

  • Lead artist/researcher: Dr Tom Milnes, Arts University Plymouth

  • Commission: Green Minds (Plymouth City Council, ERDF/UIA)

  • Delivery partners: Devon Wildlife Trust, community volunteers and local cultural organisations

  • Fab Lab South West: 3D scanning and fabrication support

  • Student & alumni contributors: Animation, costume and sound

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