About Digital History, Architectural Heritage and Archaeology:
Digital models for historic studies are a new research tool for scholars, students, and very engaging for the curious general public. Scientists, engineers, archeologists, historians, jurists and other academics and professionals are increasingly using digital media to share discoveries, collaborate research, develop theories and publish findings. A visual 3D model database can be upgraded and revised to reflect new research data, explore technologies, and archive reference information. Exposure and damage of evidence, artifacts or structures are mitigated since the actual physical item is protected from harm. 3D models have multiple uses and may be used to illustrate research work, exhibition guides and multi-language publications. Media used may include touch screen kiosks, educational CDs, VR navigable scenes and conventional large format color exhibition displays. See Digital Modeling and Visualization FAQ
(A 24X36 large format poster is available for educators (JPEG). Contact: macbloom@aol.com)
3D visualization of the historic Anne Frank House and environs circa 1944:
The exemplar images represent information from published works and several plan fragments (circa 1953) provided by the Anne Frank Center USA *. The computer model is substantially incomplete and requires several more phases of research and verification. It is my objective to present this early stage of development to indicate the visual impact this workproduct displays and comment on the concept, versatility and uses of a multipurpose environmental 3D model.
The sense of place:
The persecution and Holocaust era and the historic years of World War II in Europe are threaded together and made accessible in the simple structure in Amsterdam, Holland at Princengracht 263. We are fortunate that Anne Frank and heirs left such careful documentation of her surroundings and that the buildings themselves were preserved. This new technology gives us an opportunity to bring an interesting new perspective to this historical drama by capturing a compelling image of what life in hiding was like for the participants. It is our objective to develop an accurate photorealistic recreation of the buildings which is both artistic and dramatic in lighting and atmosphere. It is undeniable that this simple structure has distinguished itself among the most famous cathedrals, bridges and monuments of Europe and the world. The Anne Frank House and Anne Frank story is an extraordinary illumination of both the darkness and light of that time. There also remains much confusion and controversy about facts, issues and the extraordinary ways history can be revised.
Potential uses:
The 3D model may be integrated into an educational multimedia compact CD disc and used to raise funds. Publications and exhibits departments may access the model to select illustrative views or video animation of the structure and its rooms. Walls and spaces may be made transparent, cutaway or floated out for highlighting. As stated previously, the model database can be updated to reflect ongoing research or other needs. A touch screen kiosk (active 24 hours a day) may be developed to accompany traveling exhibitions. Room spaces, objects, photographs and other features may be created on interative levels of detail and viewed from any point, time or condition. A virtual museum and hyperlinked library can be developed and made available over the internet to large audiences.
Tasks:
Phase 1 is the current preliminary state of the model as presented. Information derived from existing architectural plans (circa 1950) and selected photographs are used to produce conceptual images and provide a starting point for participants review comments.
Phase 2 is a research program to upgrade and verify the dimensional measurements of the structure, review written descriptions, and historical photographic information. Simply we will gather a comprehensive office data file that replicates or references all information used in the model. We require a designated liaison person with access authority. We supply progress report images and line drawings for review, comment and approval. If the liaison person unable to supply the materials requested we are available to travel to the site to meet with the curators and conduct research and inspections as stated in Phase 3, below.
Phase 3 is an on-site verification inspection and photographic survey for material textures and surface mapping. This will require travel and accommodations near the site and, of course, access to all parts of the area or building.
Phase 4 updates and revises the model to reflect the modifications from previous phases. We supply progress report images and line drawings for comment and approval. The model data workproduct must be reviewed by a curator or conservation staff with approval authority prior to all publication.
(* This project was initiated in the Spring of 1997 to supplement the "Anne Frank in the World 1929-1945" exhibition at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Santa Barbara California USA in October 1997)
AEC Home Page www.artengineering.com]