We look into the past using modern technologies and unique content. Nevsky Prospekt 1917, excursions and a time machine

The idea of development was born in 2014, when our team was creating one of the first applications for architects and design options presentation. We even created a separate section on the the software product website and called it “Time Machine”, but time passed, and it was not possible to start implementing the idea. Initially, our team wanted to reconstruct the old Arbat and show its buildings and the avenue itself in the past, we started several times, but did not complete the task, something was missing.

And in 2019, five years later, Ivan Kulakov, who leads this project in our team, agreed to work together with Pavel Perets. Pavel produces unique historical content, and our team performs the architectural part and the IT product. This combination provides interesting application content.

Look at the process step by step, also at the end of the article there are links at the app, available for Ios and Android.


Presentation of the project on Radio Aurora


Retro photo, the first building to test and to work beginning


While the Studio architectural department was engaged in three-dimensional modeling of buildings, Pavel prepared the text part of the tour for each sightseeing


To prepare the content, our team made photo shoots of all the buildings


Additionally, for three-dimensional modeling, photos of the materials of bridges, buildings and the surrounding area were made


An example of three-dimensional modeling of the first building, the 3D visualization department recreates the appearance of the building using the instructions of the architects, based on the historical reference and additional historical data of the building


First test of the prepared scene


Immediately after the first test, we check the result directly on the site


Ivan Kulakov’s story about the project and development


The modeling process continues, the Studio Architecture department together with the 3D department create the appearance of the other buildings necessary for the project


Finished model of the building on Nevsky Prospekt, 21 in 1917

Model without materials

The process of applying materials to buildings

Ready-made view of the building for use in the app


Testing and talking about working on the project. Ivan Kulakov shows Nevsky Prospekt, 21


Pavel came up with the main character of the application, a photo set of the hero for further development


The project was quite large and once a week a reconciliation was carried out based on the results of the work and the further logic of implementation was built


For the application, our managers found and purchased an old map of Nevsky Prospekt, which was included into the project to determine the location


Simultaneously with the work on the content, the interface was developed, here are the first sketches of the structure


The second iteration of the application interface


Certainly, along with the development of the interface, there was a logo development, here are the first sketches for discussion


The work on the logo is a separate big story, so we will show just the final version


For authenticity and realism, our team had to create additional objects in the city. People, carriages, horses, and more. Without them, the buildings would be empty


In addition, the designers made retro fonts for advertising slogans written on buildings and additional objects


Look at the interface diagram, it was necessary for further development


The interface was ready, the layout was done


We were preparing for the release of the app in Apple Store and Google Play, for this you need to prepare a lot of additional information. For example, images of the app itself


The app is released and ready to use


And Pavel Perts’ feedback about our work