Diegetic elements of narrative development in MR: A case of Heritage Interpretation Palace of the Porphyrogenitus (Tekfur) 

In this immersive, one-week workshop, students will explore how Mixed Reality (MR) can bring to life the hidden narratives of Porphyrogenitus  (Tekfur Palace ). Tekfur Palace is a significant Byzantine-era palace structure located in the Edirnekapı district of Istanbul, adjacent to the city's land walls (Karakaya, 2019). It has a deep historical background dating back to the 10th century and was constructed as part of the Blachernae Palace complex in the 13th and 14th centuries. The palace is rectangular in plan, comprising three floors and a courtyard; the ground floor opens to the courtyard through columned arches. The construction materials employed in the edifice comprise stone, brick, and wood. The Tekfur Palace was employed as an official residence by Byzantine emperors. Thereafter, it remained in a state of disrepair and abandonment for a considerable duration during the Ottoman period. Subsequently, during the 18th century, the site transformed, becoming a workshop dedicated to the production of İznik tiles. Several tiles manufactured in this facility have been utilised in prominent historical edifices, including the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III. Throughout the 20th century, the palace served a variety of functions, including but not limited to a stable, a refuge for displaced persons, and a glass bottle factory. Currently, Tekfur Palace functions as a museum following archaeological excavations and restoration works.

The term "Tekfur" is derived from a title bestowed by the Ottomans upon the Byzantine rulers of the palace. Tekfur Palace is a notable example of Byzantine architecture, with exquisite examples of tile craftsmanship from the Ottoman workshops that once operated within the palace. To summarise, the Tekfur Palace is a building of historical and architectural significance in Istanbul. Constructed during the late Byzantine period, it was later used for various purposes in the Ottoman era. The site is currently protected and used as a museum.

Working in small creative teams, participants will learn how to design diegetic elements within MR environments, blending technology with imagination. Field explorations, hands-on modeling, and narrative design exercises will guide students as they craft site-specific experiences that reimagine the past through the lens of the future. By the end of the week, each group will present a short video prototype—an MR-enabled interpretation of the Palace's history. This is a call for storytellers, coders, designers, and dreamers ready to experiment at the crossroads of memory, myth, and mixed reality.

Workshop Pre-Task Brief

Deadline: Submit your video to imlab@itu.edu.tr before the workshop day.

Objective:
Before attending the workshop, each participant is asked to prepare a short Augmented Reality (AR) scene using Adobe Aero that introduces themselves in a creative and engaging way. The final output will be showcased on the workshop website.

Task Details:

• Create a personal AR scene in Aero that represents you.

• Your scene must include:

  • At least one 3D figure or abstract model (this can be a person, object, or symbolic representation).

  • At least two interactions (e.g., tap, proximity-triggered animation, movement, or sound).

  • A short audio recording (e.g., your voice, a sound that represents you, or background music).

• You are welcome to use AI-generated content (such as images, models, or audio) – creativity is encouraged!

Submission Instructions:

• Record your scene using the Aero mobile app’s recording feature.

• Export and send the video file to imlab@itu.edu.tr before the workshop.

• These videos will be compiled and featured on the final workshop website as personal introductions.

Note:
Please ensure that your AR scene reflects your identity or creative expression meaningfully. This task is meant to help everyone get to know each other in an immersive and playful way.

Set Up First !!!

• Create a free Adobe account if you don't have one: https://account.adobe.com

• Download Adobe Aero (Mobile or Desktop version):

  • Mobile: iOS App Store – Adobe Aero

Desktop (Beta): https://www.adobe.com/products/aero.html

Check for more examples on Behance

https://www.behance.net/galleries/aero