Sustaining Basque Culture in Boise

A multi-disciplinary team of students and faculty in the College of Art and Architecture are pioneering a new way to preserve the important Basque heritage in Boise, Idaho.

In collaboration with the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, the group is modeling an interactive virtual world to engage people in Boise’s vibrant Basque community and to increase awareness about the ancient culture.

Working within the Basque Block, a section in downtown Boise dedicated to keeping Basque culture alive, virtual technology and design students are developing a real-time interface that will incorporate elements of dance, theater, myth, food, music and other culturally significant artifacts.

Impact

Visitors to the virtual world will be encouraged to immerse themselves in Boise’s modern and historic Basque community. Users will have the ability to travel through time, learn a Basque dance, explore historical events, network and more.

THE GOALS

• Preserve cultural traditions and encourage the sustainability of the Basque heritage in Boise, Idaho.
• Develop a new interactive virtual model for multi-generational awareness and education of various cultures.

Principal Contributors

John Anderson
Assistant Professor
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Miranda S. Anderson
Assistant Professor, Design Resource Center Coordinator
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Kevin Van Den Wymlenberg
Director, Integrated Design Laboratory, Boise

Sherry McKibben
Director, Idaho Urban Research and Design Center, Boise

Additional Contributors

Virtual Technology and Design Studio (VTD 355), junior-level students

Partners:
Department of Construction Management, Boise State University 
Basque Museum and Cultural Center
The Basque Block