16 Squares Project

16 Squares Project, is to develop an on-line resource and on-site Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality experience of the original 16 squares of Blacksburg, Virginia. Since Blacksburg was chartered by the Virginia Legislature in 1798, it has had over two centuries of development. The original Town of Blacksburg was laid out in a grid, on land that was donated by William Black, for whom the Town is named. Five streets running NE to SW cross five other streets running NW to SE. Each square or block was then divided into four equal lots, creating a total of 64 building lots in the original Town layout. This plan created the “16 Squares” that we refer to today. This provides a unique opportunity to capture the dynamics of change and place across time by employing such technologies as virtual and augmented reality. By creating a multilayered and sophisticated program, not only does this provide a factual history of this town, but also an educational treasure about the successes and challeng