First episode of Genius Loci the story!
Today we are talking to you about theIdea.
Genius Loci : redefining heritage tourism
The beginning: a quest for authentic cultural tourism
Hi all ! We are Steph and Eglé Cruchon, fervent defenders of heritage tourism and founders of the Swiss startup Genius Loci. Our ambition ? Propose an innovative approach to cultural tourism, where each stone, each alley, tells a story. The original idea behind Genius Loci was simple, but revolutionary: transform each site into an immersive experience for the visitor.
Fribourg: the city that inspired us
In 2014 we lived in Friborg in Switzerland, a new city for us. During our explorations of the old town, we were touched by the richness of its heritage, often unknown. Each alley, each fountain had its own story to tell. It was an invitation to reconnect populations with their heritage, to rediscover the treasures hidden on every street corner. Friborg became for us much more than just a city: it embodied the untapped potential of heritage tourism.
QR codes: modernity at the service of heritage conservation
As digital professionals, we have seized the opportunity offered by QR codes to create a bridge between the past and the present. A way of preserving heritage while adapting it to our times. With Genius Loci, each QR code is an open door to a story, a legend, a part of our common identity. But beyond technology, it was above all a way for us to offer an enriching experience, where digital technology magnifies reality and does not replace it.
The future: towards conscious and respectful slow tourism
Our vision for Genius Loci goes well beyond simple QR codes. We aspire to promote slow tourism, where each visitor takes the time to immerse themselves, understand and respect the place they discover. It is by slowing down that we truly appreciate the beauty and richness of our heritage. We firmly believe that tomorrow's tourism will be more respectful, more aware of the impact it can have on the places visited. And it is in this perspective that we wish to include Genius Loci : as pioneers of tourism that values and preserves our common history.
Genius Loci the story
Episode 02
The name
Episode 03
We talk to Julien about it
Episode 04
First tests
Episode 05
First designs
Episode 06
The Genilem Prize
Episode 08
Back to the creation of Genius Loci
All prices are detailed in our booklet:
Pack
Medals
- 20 medals & the digital solution
- Custom Medals
- Content hosting
- Training videos
Pack
Support
- 60 medals & the digital solution
- Content hosting
- Custom Medals
- A face-to-face workshop with citizens in your municipality
- 1 technical referent
- Whatsapp group with support
AboutGenius Loci
2000 years ago, the Romans thought that every place was protected by a Genius Loci, - the spirit of the place.
Today, the “genius loci” designates the particular atmosphere of a place, its character, its history. The term is particularly used in architecture.
Now we’ve taken up this notion to create a rewarding and easy-to-use tool for cities, community organizations and individual citizens, to promote and digitize their favorite hidden attractions and secrets, while preserving heritage for all to access.
Created in Switzerland by the brains behind Design Sprint Ltd, Genius Loci SA offers the possibility of making hyperlocal destinations finally attractive, at a very affordable cost for cities, associations and communities.