Author: Joshua McWhirter

 

 

6th Sense Realty is an immersive virtual reality experience which allows users to visit an apartment as a hypothetical renter. However, upon entering the apartment they realize something is askew. As the user moves through the space they are encouraged to examine the artifacts left by former tenants. These objects are not merely ornament; upon further examination, each object becomes activated — revealing snippets of historical material relevant to the vibrant history of the Lower East Side.

Over the past decade, the Lower East Side has become some of the most coveted real estate in the 5 boroughs. In turn, newcomers have arrived,  excited to take in the hip restaurants and bars, but are often unaware of the many historical movements and moments that have taken place on their block or even in their apartment building. Through experiencing 6th Sense Realty, we are inviting users to reckon with the idea that no apartment is truly empty and that history is living all around us.