Digital Preservation

3d scanning and 3d printing as a tool for teaching Classical design methods.

This project tests 3d Scanning and 3d Printing and its applications in Classical Studies and Archaeology. Artifacts are scanned and the resulting files are being used as teaching tools in a first year classical studies. The original files have full colour texture and are extremely high detail. These files are then taken through a process known as retopology; the underlying and highly complex geometry is reconstructed into a simpler structure comprised of quadrilaterals. The resulting structure can be easily laid out in 2d as a net of the original object.

This net was used as a template that students drew onto and then digitally scanned. Students were asked to draw "modern myths" and adapt them into the classical art style of the original piece. The images are then remapped onto the 3d geometry resulting in a stunning hand-drawn images on the surface of ancient models. The remapped 3d models were finally 3d printed in full-colour sandstone at half scale.