CADW is the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment division that aims to protect and sustain, to encourage community engagement and improve access to the historic environment of Wales. This includes historic buildings, ancient monuments, historic parks, gardens and landscapes, and underwater archaeology.

Project

Caerleon Roman Baths – Interpretation Graphics and Interactives

The Roman Fortress Baths in Caerleon were built around AD 85, but were not discovered until 1964. Constructed on the site of the 50-acre Roman legionary fortress of Isca, the permanent base of the Second Augustan Legion in Britain from about AD 75, they are the most complete remains of any baths in Britain. 

The stone building once housed an open-air swimming pool, hot, warm and cold rooms, exercise areas and a changing room. Visitors to the impressive remains of the fortress baths, amphitheatre, barracks and fortress wall can witness the scale on which the baths were built and gain an insight into just how advanced the Romans’ engineering skills were.

Objectives

CADW required a new interpretation scheme to increase engagement and the educational benefits for the large numbers of school parties and families that the site attracts. 

Previously, children found it hard to understand the history of the site, so the key objective was to capture their imagination and deliver clear educational messages. 

IGNITION designed interpretation graphic panels throughout the site that clearly presented the information.  The key historical points were reinforced through the use of touchscreen interactive games that IGNITION designed and programmed to aid child education. 

Results

Feedback from school teachers has been tremendous, with staff noting that children are spending far longer studying the information on display and really enjoying the interactive games.