How can you get visitors of a historical building to actively experience the space? Can you get people to have fun and learn about political or historical contexts at the same time? Yes, you can.

Visitors to the Tower of London will now be able to actively participate in some of its most infamous and audacious escapes in the places they really happened, with the launch the Tower's first ever iphone app. Developed in collaboration with Studio residents Calvium and Historic Royal Palaces, the free app will bring the 1,000 year old fortress’ spaces and stories alive through the innovative use of new technologies.

The historically accurate, location-aware game uses sensors within the Tower to trigger content as participants attempt to smuggle virtual letters, ropes and other contraband to help prisoners escape. Blending the physical site with virtual content, players also have to answer questions and make decisions which affect the outcome of the game.

The project is part of the culmination of the first of three TSB pilot projects. Initial experiments will focus on the Heritage and Tourism sector but will create technology that can be rolled out across other sectors. The app is available for download from the Apple app store from 18 December 2010 ready for the Christmas holidays.

To find out more about the development of this ground-breaking project, check out the project's journal, where you can also watch a trailer of the game. More details can also be found on the Calvium website: www.calvium.com

Calvium Creative Director Jo Reid will also kick off the Studio's 2011 Lunchtime Talk series on Friday, 7 January, 1pm. In her talk, Jo will take you through the development of the project from initial concepts to the finished product. Don't miss it!