Virtual reality in restoration of historic buildings: 3d model projection of the restoration project of Alaca Imaret Câmi with intuitive and interactive application through hyper realism technology

Abstract

This paper presents a new approach in restoration study, a digital application of 3d model projection with intuitive and interactive use, through hyper-realism technology, applied in a virtual reality based restoration project and in the reconstruction of the original form and function of a religious monument, of the Alaca Imaret Câmi, a mosque in Thessaloniki (North Greece). The complete study of this historic building is based on a doctorate thesis, focused on the sedulous research of the monument itself. The presentation deals with new and very recently developed digital technologies, utilized in representing a virtual reality view of our cultural heritage. The 3d model projection, realized through brand new audiovisual systems, will soon permit the expansion of 3d virtual restoration and hyper-realistic “touch” of a virtual space, in many applications, while the most interesting of them, is the cultural heritage. The presentation - through web cam projection - of this paper, intents to show the successful results of using high technologies in the field of restoration but also in the creation as a virtual reality of the original form and function of a historic monument. The application of the new method proposed, applied in Alaca Imaret Câmi, which is used as a case study monument, becomes more interesting, when the monument itself, acts as a unique witness of a historic past or represents another culture, completely different from the context of the modern city. This is a complicated problem that becomes obvious in the way of materializing a restoration study and also in a project of revival of the initial use of a monument. While using the 3d application, the visitor can learn all about the history of a monument, through an interactive experience. Thit gives him the opportunity to learn in a more detailed way the history of the monument, as no other way or no other method could succeed it. At the same time, the whole project is reversible and ready to amplify the new archive information or audiovisual material. As a case study for these 3d model digital applications, is chosen the mosque of Alaca Imaret Câmi - an almost abandoned monument, situated in the historic center of the city of Thessaloniki - not only because of its unique architecture and religious use but mostly because of its great importance in the history of the city.