Common Ground

An extraordinary use of the VR medium, Common Ground explores South London’s notorious Aylesbury Estate, currently subject to a ground-breaking but controversial regeneration project. 

Home to over 7000 residents, Aylesbury stands both as a monument to the history and future of British social housing. Intelligently and creatively combining 360˚ video, 3D modelling, archival footage and interactive real-time environments, East City Films’ co-founder Darren Emerson has built a visceral, moving and dynamic study not just of the physical space of the estate but of its inhabitants’ lives, examining how urban planning, long-forgotten utopian ideals and the instability of changing politics impacts everyday people.

“Common Ground is the technological and creative culmination of four years of work and development in VR; and the next step in my immersive documentary storytelling. It is a work that utilises my passion for exploring social injustice, giving voice to those not usually heard, and building an experience that allows us to connect more closely to the lives of other people.” – Darren Emerson

^{Users should be aware that in rare cases participation in these experiences and using this technology may involve some risks, including (but not limited to): nausea, dizziness, disorientation, visual abnormalities, injury or other discomfort.}

_{Duration times listed are approximate given the experience's interactivity – each viewer may have a slightly different experience duration.}