
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has partnered with Christchurch-based up-and-coming XR (extended reality) technology company JIX Reality to launch a virtual tour of the centre.
JIX Reality specialises in building digital experiences to meet real world industry need—and in Te Pae Christchurch’s case, immersive true-to-life technology to showcase the building potential to Te Pae Christchurch clients and the community is imperative.
The result is a virtual tour that can be viewed online, or using a phone, iPad or virtual reality headset. A separate iPad app is also available.
Each experience starts at Te Pae Christchurch’s main Oxford Street entrance and Ground Floor Foyer before “guests” visit the centre’s array of flexible and modern spaces, including the 1,400 seat Auditorium; the Rivers Room—a 1,000 seat banquet space; the 2,800sqm Exhibition Halls and an array of smaller meeting rooms and pre-function areas.
Depending on the viewing method, the tour either follows a pre-determined path, or users can undertake a self-guided 360 degree experience and visit specific spaces.
“Christchurch is well-known for being innovative and pushing the envelope in those areas where it has the expertise and passion to make a difference, so it’s little surprise that hi-tech solutions are one of the city’s growth industries,” Te Pae Christchurch General Manager Ross Steele said.
JIX Reality Founder and CEO Sakthi Ranganathan said, “Right from the get-go, our objective was to not offer a standardised product or agency service but rather create a customised experience for Te Pae Christchurch’s customers.
“We have a flexible approach to development that allows for adaptations to unforeseen circumstances like the current pandemic, and in fact over time, the final product evolved from being solely a virtual reality experience to being an experience that can be enjoyed virtually by anyone anywhere in the world, regardless of device,” Mr Ranganathan said.
“We are excited to continue the partnership with Te Pae Christchurch and look forward to rolling out many more digital experiences that will be the first of their kind in New Zealand”.