digital reconstruction

The Ancient Greeks gave us many things which western civilisation is built upon - democracy, cartography, astronomy, mathematics and the fundamentals of classical architecture. And the home of the finest example of classical Greek architecture is at the site of the Acropolis in Athens - the wonder that is the Parthenon.

A pioneering research project to recreate Roman Leicester with an interactive virtual world is unveiled today at the official launch of Phoenix Square film and digital media centre in the city’s emerging cultural quarter. Members of the public will see a showcase of a range of IOCT - Institute of Creative Technologies - projects including taking an interactive on-screen tour round Roman Leicester 210AD; which takes them inside some of the 3D buildings including the Merlin Works Baths, Mithraum, the Temple of Jupiter and the Basilica and Forum.

Using a skill known as architectural forensics, and working with archaeologists from the University of Leicester, Dr Douglas Cawthorne and Researcher Assistant George Watson have brought to 3D life, buildings known to have existed in the city, the first tage of the 'Virtual Roman Leicester' project.

Dr Cawthorne said: "This project seeks to digitally recreate Roman Leicester (Ratae Corieltauvorum). The first stage, currently underway, is creating highly accurate digital models of the known buildings and artefacts."

Ever wondered how a 7th century temple complex must have looked like? You can now find out, as the US Berkeley's Architecture Department has launched what they call a 'Digital Model of Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage' of one of Cambodia's earliest Khmer temple complexes. The team used a 3D game engine to bring their models of Sambor Prei Kuk alive, allowing you to walk amongst digital reconstructions of ancient ruins - they pre-date Angkor Wat by several centuries - whilst reciting your prayers. Architecture Professor Yehuda Kalay - head of the Virtual Sambor Prei Kuk project - is convinced that this project will make information available to the public that up to now has remained the exclusive province of researchers.

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