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Immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) devices are increasingly affordable and accessible to consumers. The widespread adoption of this technology for professional training is now finding its way into various other fields. One field that is gaining significant popularity is Cultural Heritage (CH), where iVR enables the reconstruction and exploration of lost heritage. However, an up-to-date systematic review of iVR within this field will be of great benefit. Hence, the present review of 94 papers published between 2013 and 2022 that follows PRISMA methodology on virtual reconstruction of CH for iVR. The aim is to identify the key factors behind the development of these applications and their standards. To do so, a statistical analysis on the following topics was performed: (1) nationality, publication date, and article type; (2) heritage type and its current state of preservation; (3) the area of final application and the features of the reconstructions; (4) the characteristics of the iVR experience; and (5) the assessment of the iVR applications. Finally, a roadmap of best practices is outlined for the virtual reconstruction of CH using iVR and some of the most promising future research lines are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Automatic virtual reconstruction of complex fractures would be helpful for pre-operative surgical planning. We developed a statistical shape model (SSM) which contains data of 200 intact 3D hemipelves. It allows for quantification of shape differences and is able to reconstruct abnormal shaped pelvises. We applied our SSM to reconstruct elementary and associate type acetabular fractures and assessed the reconstruction performance of the SSM, by comparing the reconstructed shape with the intact contralateral hemipelvis. Methods: In this retrospective diagnostic imaging study, we used our SSM to virtually reconstruct fractured hemipelves of eighty-three patients with an acetabular fracture. A root mean square error (RMSE) was computed between the reconstructed shape and intact contralateral shape for the whole hemipelvis and for regions relevant for plate-fitting. These plate-fitting relevant regions were defined as: (1) Iliopectineal line length and radius; (2) ischial body line length and radius; (3) acetabular diameter, (4) quadrilateral slope and (5) weight-bearing acetabular dome. Results: The median RMSE of the whole hemipelvis of the elementary type fractures was 2.2 (1.7–2.5) mm versus 3.2 (2.2–3.9) mm for the associate type fractures (p < 0.001). The median RMSE for the plate-fitting regions of elementary type fractures was 1.7 (1.4–2.1) mm versus 2.7 (2.0–4.1) mm for associate type fractures (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Using a statistical shape model allows for accurate virtual reconstructions of elementary and associate type acetabular fractures within a clinically acceptable range, especially within regions important for plate-fitting. SSM-based reconstructions can serve as a valuable tool for pre-operative planning in clinical practice, when a template of the contralateral hemipelvis is unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a virtual reconstruction of the catafalque and the ephemeral decorations created for the funeral of Maria Amalia of Saxony in the Cathedral of Barcelona in 1761. A combination of a historical-artistic approach and a variety of 3D modelling techniques has made it possible to recreate an ephemeral piece of architecture that, being constructed only for the funerary ceremony, has not lasted over time, such that the work presented here constitutes a novel strategy to promote a better understanding of another element of our cultural legacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the impact of microstructural properties of the anode support layer (ASL) composed of catalyst, electrolyte and pore phases on the performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is investigated. Synthetic SOFC anode microstructures, comprising two layers including the anode functional layer (AFL), where electrochemical reactions take place, are generated using an open-source software. Different configurations of the anode support layer with various particle sizes and volume fractions of the catalyst and electrolyte phases for different porosities are combined with a consistent AFL to isolate the effect of ASL microstructural parameters. The triple phase boundary (TPB) density, chosen as a useful metric monitoring the anode performance, is then quantitively determined for each anode layer and entire anode in all reconstructed microstructures. The results demonstrate that the microstructure of ASL significantly influences the anode and thus cell performance by impacting reactant gas supply and current collection, emphasizing the necessity for meticulous design. Specifically, ASL microstructures with low volume fractions of Ni and the pore phase, and/or substantial differences between the volume fractions of the phases, are observed to result in discontinuous phase networks, which deactivate TPBs in AFL. • Impact of microstructural properties of the anode support layer is investigated. • Synthetic SOFC anode microstructures, comprising two layers, are reconstructed. • Triple phase boundary density is quantitatively determined. • Low volume fractions of catalyst/pore phase result in discontinuous phase networks. • Anode support should have pore and catalyst phases with close volume fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The centuries-old Eravimangalam Subramanyaswamy Temple in the Malappuram district of Kerala, India, is one of many active temples with significant remnants of historical outdoor wall paintings threatened with being rebuilt/replastered with modern materials. As the significance of the site to the local community is the figure of the deity housed within the temple, the shrine's outer structure carrying the historical wall paintings is considered replaceable. This work explores the creation of tools that communities can use in the future to make an informed choice about sustainable conservation of their heritage, and to place some significance on the structure as well as the deity represented. The study uses two main approaches: virtual reconstruction, and the testing of greener formulations for the removal of deposits on outdoor wall paintings. 3D reconstruction and image manipulation were used to create visualizations of a possible finished treatment, and supported by cleaning tests on mock-ups of the wall paintings that reproduce the original materials, techniques, and their present condition. Testing of greener formulations was performed to remove deposits from burning oil lamps, as commonly used in temples in Kerala. The tested products that are derived from natural feedstocks are safer for human beings and will enable the local conservators to work with them without any adverse effects. This work aims to serve as a means to initiate community involvement in decision-making and create opportunities for sustainable conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite offering new possibilities for the education, interpretation, preservation, and management of cultural assets, virtual heritage still demands more consistent theoretical-practical debates. Under the scope of developing historical buildings' virtual models, the level of detail (LOD) is defined as a parameter that directly affects workflows, requiring time, investments, and specialized professionals. This work investigates how different LOD configurations influence the construction and interpretation of three-dimensional models of historic buildings. To this end, five 3D models with different LODs of a historic building in Brazil were set in an exploratory study that addressed users' perceptions when experimenting with them from a phenomenological perspective. The goal was to identify which elements and LOD configurations of the model were preponderant. The experiment was performed through an online workshop, where first-year architecture students could virtually experience the 3D models created, comparing them to a movie of the existing building. Participants were divided into five groups, one for each proposed LOD, and described their experiences through reports that were then analyzed, considering a list of themes emerging from their speeches. The findings underwent statistical analysis to understand how different themes and videos were linked. The experiment findings showed that (1) the 3D models with higher LODs led to more comprehensive comments on the architecture of the building and (2) elements such as the building's surroundings, the humanization of the scenery, and the temporal depth of the 3D models should be considered in the virtual reconstruction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Preservation and accessibility of cultural heritage have become essential with the rapid advancements of globalization and modernization endeavors constantly threatening historical artifacts and sites across the world. The advent of the metaverse, with its immersive and interactive capabilities, presents a novel approach to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage. The current study aims to explore the potential of metaverse applications in digitalizing cultural heritage, encompassing virtual reconstructions, educational outreach, global accessibility, and sustainability. It conducts a systematic literature review using PRISMA guidelines to collect, screen, and evaluate existing research enquiries into investigating current practices and technologies in the digitalization of heritage preservation. The study also conducts case study research to investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with the virtual preservation of tangible and intangible cultural assets, including issues of authenticity, representation, and sustainability. Furthermore, it evaluates the impact of metaverse applications on public engagement and cultural education. The findings provide valuable insights into developing innovative strategies for preserving cultural heritage in the digital age while highlighting best practices and guidelines for optimizing metaverse applications in cultural heritage preservation.

Abstract Virtual reconstruction of ancient buildings often has incomplete records of the original design and construction details, and can only be reconstructed based on limited data, drawings and photography, which is different from the actual conditions. The unique overhanging structure of the corridor gable building makes it vulnerable to damage in extreme weather conditions. In order to ensure that the virtual reconstruction results can not only reproduce the original appearance of history, but also ensure that the reconstructed model maintains structural stability in the long term. This paper proposes a reconstruction method of the original appearance of the corridor gable building remains based on structural dynamics analysis. This method comprehensively uses three-dimensional reconstruction, structural engineering, dynamic analysis, and computer simulation technology to ensure the structural accuracy and historical authenticity of the virtually reconstructed corridor gable building. First, through data collection and analysis, combined with ancient architectural construction techniques, a preliminary three-dimensional model was created, which included all structural elements and details. Several groups of reconstruction schemes are determined based on material properties. Then, using finite element analysis software, perform dynamic analysis on the three-dimensional model. Evaluate the stability of the reconstructed structure and optimize the material selection plan to ensure the feasibility and accuracy of the virtual reconstruction. Taking the virtual reconstruction of the eaves in front of Leiyin Cave as an example, it shows that this method is effective and feasible to achieve the virtual reconstruction of corridor gable buildings. It provides new ideas for virtual reconstruction of ancient buildings and has important practical application value.

Virtual reconstruction of ancient buildings often has incomplete records of the original design and construction details, and can only be reconstructed based on limited data, drawings and photography, which is different from the actual conditions. The unique overhanging structure of the corridor gable building makes it vulnerable to damage in extreme weather conditions. In order to ensure that the virtual reconstruction results can not only reproduce the original appearance of history, but also ensure that the reconstructed model maintains structural stability in the long term. This paper proposes a reconstruction method of the original appearance of the corridor gable building remains based on structural dynamics analysis. This method comprehensively uses three-dimensional reconstruction, structural engineering, dynamic analysis, and computer simulation technology to ensure the structural accuracy and historical authenticity of the virtually reconstructed corridor gable building. First, through data collection and analysis, combined with ancient architectural construction techniques, a preliminary three-dimensional model was created, which included all structural elements and details. Several groups of reconstruction schemes are determined based on material properties. Then, using finite element analysis software, perform dynamic analysis on the three-dimensional model. Evaluate the stability of the reconstructed structure and optimize the material selection plan to ensure the feasibility and accuracy of the virtual reconstruction. Taking the virtual reconstruction of the eaves in front of Leiyin Cave as an example, it shows that this method is effective and feasible to achieve the virtual reconstruction of corridor gable buildings. It provides new ideas for virtual reconstruction of ancient buildings and has important practical application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preservation and accessibility of cultural heritage have become essential with the rapid advancements of globalization and modernization endeavors constantly threatening historical artifacts and sites across the world. The advent of the metaverse, with its immersive and interactive capabilities, presents a novel approach to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage. The current study aims to explore the potential of metaverse applications in digitalizing cultural heritage, encompassing virtual reconstructions, educational outreach, global accessibility, and sustainability. It conducts a systematic literature review using PRISMA guidelines to collect, screen, and evaluate existing research enquiries into investigating current practices and technologies in the digitalization of heritage preservation. The study also conducts case study research to investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with the virtual preservation of tangible and intangible cultural assets, including issues of authenticity, representation, and sustainability. Furthermore, it evaluates the impact of metaverse applications on public engagement and cultural education. The findings provide valuable insights into developing innovative strategies for preserving cultural heritage in the digital age while highlighting best practices and guidelines for optimizing metaverse applications in cultural heritage preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of ancient mosaics are no longer available to us because they have been destroyed by erosion, earthquakes, looting, or even used as materials in newer construction. To make things worse, among the small fraction of mosaics that have been recovered, many are damaged or incomplete. Therefore, it is of interest to explore how the mosaics may have appeared originally by using virtual reconstruction. This has traditionally been done manually and more recently using computer graphics programs but always by humans. In the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made impressive progress in the generation of images from text descriptions and reference images. State-of-the-art AI tools such as DALL-E2 can generate high-quality images from text prompts and can take a reference image to guide the process. In August 2022, DALL-E2 launched a new feature called outpainting that takes as input an incomplete image and a text prompt and then generates a complete image filling in the missing parts. In this paper, we explore whether this innovative technology can be used to perform virtual reconstruction of mosaics with missing parts. Hence, a set of ancient mosaics have been selected and DALL-E2 has been used to create virtual reconstructions; the results are promising, showing that AI is able to interpret the key features of the mosaics and is able to produce virtual reconstructions that capture the essence of the scene. However, in some cases AI does not reproduce some details or geometric forms or introduces elements that are not consistent with the rest of the mosaic. This suggests that when AI image generation technology matures in the next few years, it could be a valuable tool to create virtual reconstructions of mosaics in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archeological textiles can provide invaluable insight into the past. However, they are often highly fragmented, and a puzzle has to be solved to re-assemble the object and recover the original motifs. Unlike common jigsaw puzzles, archeological fragments are highly damaged, and no correct solution to the puzzle is known. Although automatic puzzle solving has fascinated computer scientists for a long time, this work is one of the first attempts to apply modern machine learning solutions to archeological textile re-assembly. First and foremost, it is important to know which fragments belong to the same object. Therefore, features are extracted from digital images of textile fragments using color statistics, classical texture descriptors, and deep learning methods. These features are used to conduct clustering and identify similar fragments. Four different case studies with increasing complexity are discussed in this article: from well - preserved textiles with available ground truth to an actual open problem of Oseberg archeological tapestry with unknown solution. This work reveals significant knowledge gaps in current machine learning, which helps us to outline a future avenue toward more specialized application-specific models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The challenge of preserving the architectural heritage of small towns in Ukraine is compounded by the lack of sufficient historical and architectural research, as well as numerous alterations to buildings during their use. This article presents the results of historical and architectural research on the architectural heritage of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Kozelshchyna Monastery in the Poltava Region. It explores the historical stages of the monastery's formation and development and evaluates its historical and cultural significance. A virtual reconstruction of the monastery's original appearance was undertaken, and the historical boundaries of the monastery were established. The analysis of the current state enabled the identification of issues related to the monastery's functioning and the preservation of its cultural heritage. This research provides a scientific foundation for developing protection zones for the monastery and for restoration and adaptation projects of its buildings. It also establishes an information base for future project work and the monitoring of architectural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores a historical innovation created by Henry Muncaster: a stationary steam engine featuring a single-cylinder horizontal design with a crosshead trunk guide. Through the application of engineering graphics techniques, we have elucidated the functioning of this invention by developing a 3D CAD model based on the original drawings published in Model Engineer magazine in 1957. However, the geometric modeling process faced challenges due to missing and erroneous dimensions for several components. Consequently, dimensional, geometric, and movement constraints were applied to ensure the coherence and functionality of the 3D CAD model, alongside conducting an interference analysis. Ultimately, the proper alignment of the cylinder and crosshead was ascertained, which is crucial for maintaining uniform forces and motions within the steam engine. This alignment is pivotal for achieving balanced operation, minimizing vibrations, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the invention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a methodology for the virtual reconstruction of no longer existing archaeological structures, focusing on cases where the remains are concealed within contemporary urban environments. This approach is exemplified through the digital 3D reconstruction of the ancient Roman circus of Milan, a monumental building largely demolished at the end of the Roman Empire, with most of its remaining vestiges hidden beneath the modern urban fabric of Milan. Central to this approach is the comprehensive collection of historical research data, archival sources, and field inspections. This data is integrated with state-of-the-art surveying technologies, such as terrestrial and mobile laser scanning for underground data collection, photogrammetry for stratigraphic data extraction, and accurate georeferencing using differential GNSS. Thanks to accurate georeferencing, these data sets are then merged with preexisting cartographic and historical data in a GIS. The subsequent digital reconstruction process draws upon this georeferenced corpus of sources and comparisons with similar circuses. Refined through interdisciplinary collaboration, this process yields precise and, in some cases, innovative archaeological hypotheses.

The challenge of preserving the architectural heritage of small towns in Ukraine is compounded by the lack of sufficient historical and architectural research, as well as numerous alterations to buildings during their use. This article presents the results of historical and architectural research on the architectural heritage of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Kozelshchyna Monastery in the Poltava Region. It explores the historical stages of the monastery's formation and development and evaluates its historical and cultural significance. A virtual reconstruction of the monastery's original appearance was undertaken, and the historical boundaries of the monastery were established. The analysis of the current state enabled the identification of issues related to the monastery's functioning and the preservation of its cultural heritage. This research provides a scientific foundation for developing protection zones for the monastery and for restoration and adaptation projects of its buildings. It also establishes an information base for future project work and the monitoring of architectural heritage.

In 1964, a young Cedric Price joined forces with the successful theater director and producer Joan Littlewood to conceive a project with the ambitious goal of transforming the concept of leisure and education in post-World War II Britain, which was still recovering from the devastation of the war. The Fun Palace project, however, never materialized into a physical structure, leaving Price's drawings as the sole record of its design. Employing cybernetic principles, the project was envisioned as a structural framework encompassing an interactive machine without a defined program, in perpetual transformation. It was like a board of combinations with no single solution, foreseeing the emergence of parametric architecture. Based on the collection of Price's original drawings, this article presents a virtual reconstruction of the Fun Palace project. It includes new documentation and an analysis of the changeability of the constantly evolving elements that define the Fun Palace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an investigation into a historical invention consisting of a stationary steam engine designed by Henry Muncaster: a two-cylinder entablature steam engine with parallel motion crosshead. The present interdisciplinary research, based on the theoretical and methodological concepts of engineering drawing and computer-aided design, has allowed us to understand the operation of this invention from the 3D CAD model of the invention obtained thanks to the original drawings published in the magazine Model Engineer in 1957 and reproduced in 2017, since there is no descriptive information related to the invention. However, there have been drawbacks in the geometric modeling process since the dimensions of some components did not exist and in other cases they were erroneous. For this reason, dimensional, geometric and movement constraints (degrees of freedom) had to be applied so that said 3D CAD model would be coherent and functional, and an interference analysis also had to be performed. Finally, the existing symmetry in the arrangement of the cylinders and the crosshead has been discovered, it being essential to guarantee that the forces and movements are uniform on both sides of the steam engine, and allowing the work to be carried out in a more balanced manner by reducing vibrations and improving the overall efficiency of the invention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: In digital-technology-assisted nasal defect reconstruction methods, a crucial step involves utilizing computer-aided design to virtually reconstruct the nasal defect's complete morphology. However, current digital methods for virtual nasal defect reconstruction have yet to achieve efficient, precise, and personalized outcomes. In this research paper, we propose a novel approach for reconstructing external nasal defects based on the Facial Mesh Generation Network (FMGen-Net), aiming to enhance the levels of automation and personalization in virtual reconstruction. (2) Methods: We collected data from 400 3D scans of faces with normal morphology and combined the structured 3D face template and the Meshmonk non-rigid registration algorithm to construct a structured 3D facial dataset for training FMGen-Net. Guided by defective facial data, the trained FMGen-Net automatically generated an intact 3D face that was similar to the defective face, and maintained a consistent spatial position. This intact 3D face served as the 3D target reference face (3D-TRF) for nasal defect reconstruction. The reconstructed nasal data were extracted from the 3D-TRF based on the defective area using reverse engineering software. The '3D surface deviation' between the reconstructed nose and the original nose was calculated to evaluate the effect of 3D morphological restoration of the nasal defects. (3) Results: In the simulation experiment of 20 cases involving full nasal defect reconstruction, the '3D surface deviation' between the reconstructed nasal data and the original nasal data was 1.45 ± 0.24 mm. The reconstructed nasal data, constructed from the personalized 3D-TRF, accurately reconstructed the anatomical morphology of nasal defects. (4) Conclusions: This paper proposes a novel method for the virtual reconstruction of external nasal defects based on the FMGen-Net model, achieving the automated and personalized construction of the 3D-TRF and preliminarily demonstrating promising clinical application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a virtual reconstruction method for fuzzy 3D images based on visual communication effects to improve recognition ability. This method includes constructing a grid distribution model for 3D images, recombining spatial information features using visual feature extraction, and detecting edges using contour feature extraction. A three-dimensional image visual communication model was established, and adaptive pixel reconstruction was achieved through fuzzy structure reconstruction method. Reconstruct the texture structure and grayscale histogram of 3D images to achieve high-quality virtual reconstruction. The simulation results verified the effectiveness of the method, and the designed simulation platform verified the accuracy and completeness of the method, demonstrating the improvement of existing systems and the potential for advancing the field of visual communication.

For the hypothetical reconstruction of architectural heritage, there are still no scientific standards of reference concerning their sharing and documentation. Recent international initiatives established the basis to address this problem; however, still, much work needs to be done in order to systematise good practices for the process of reconstruction and its dissemination. This contribution aims to take a step forward in the analysis and visualisation of uncertainty. Some authors have suggested various approaches to visualise uncertainty for single buildings; however, case studies at the urban scale are rarely investigated. This research proposes an improved source-based multi-feature approach aimed at analysing and visualising (through false-colour shading) the uncertainty of hypothetical 3D digital models of urban areas. The assessment of uncertainty is also quantified qualitatively by using newly defined formulas which calculate the average uncertainty weighted on the volume of the 3D model. This methodology aims to improve the objectiveness, unambiguity, transparency, reusability, and readability of hypothetical reconstructive 3D models, and its use is exemplified in the case study of the hypothetical reconstruction of Piazza delle Erbe in Verona, a project presented in the form of a docufilm at EXPO 2015 in Milan.

Abstract Archaeological artifacts play important role in understanding the past developments of the humanity. However, the artifacts are often highly fragmented and degraded, with many details and parts missing due to centuries’ long degradation. Archaeologists and conservators attempt to reconstruct the original state of the objects either physically or virtually. This process includes characterizing and matching fragments’ features to identify which ones belong together. However, this process currently requires an extensive and tedious manual labor. Recent development in computational techniques gave rise to computer-assisted ways of virtual reconstruction, where the computer suggests solutions to the puzzle of scattered fragments and supplements or fully replaces manual labor. However, the capabilities of computational techniques remain limited in many aspects. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art computational techniques for puzzle and virtual reconstruction problems in cultural heritage applications, in general – with a particular interest in archaeological textiles. We overview existing computational methods, their applications and limitations. Afterward, based on the current knowledge gaps, we discuss where the field should go next.

Virtual reconstruction through digital methods should be implemented in the conservation process to obtain an accurate representation of cultural heritage, establish its value, and ensure the transfer of information to future generations through a secure, reversible, and cost-effective approach. A critical evaluation of fifteen virtual reconstruction applications will be performed regarding their objective, data collection and reconstruction methods, and visual representation outputs. The selected three studies will be analyzed in detail by their superiorities and competencies in reconstruction. The research performs a literature review on cultural heritage conservation, traditional and digital perspectives on conservation, and virtual reconstruction applications. The analysis intends to guide further studies, offering a deeper understanding and clarification of software preferences as virtual reconstruction becomes prominent in archaeology. The study enables the determination and assessment of methodological alternatives through outcomes by comparative review and, as a result, compiles and showcases the suitable techniques for the reconstruction process.

The project aims to present the 3D reconstruction of the Roman Theater of Amman, the ancient Philadelphia of the Palestinian Decapolis, through rigorous representative models. The outcomes will be part of a future exhibition providing site-specific installations and user experience artifacts based on digital interaction and tactile models. The paper illustrates the multidisciplinary approach associated with using 3D virtual reconstruction and game engine tools to reflect on the practice of representing ancient monuments and digital museology. Travelers of the 18th and 19th centuries drafted the fascination of discovery as an experience in their notebooks. At the same time, their written records could address contemporary visitors to an extensive cultural knowledge of places and buildings, the historia of Philadelphia. Investigations are shifting scientific models towards a dynamic cultural experience representative of cultural heritage, including intangible heritage, stories, and new technological paradigms, increasingly rapidly making it possible to duplicate art and heritage. This shift is pinpointing the role of representation for cultural studies and humanities, experimenting with practices and tools to drill methodologies, and producing models for interaction design, socialization, gaming, and museum experience.DOI: https://doi.org/10.20365/disegnarecon.31.2023.15

The city of L'Aquila is characterised by a variety of cultural heritage, both monumental assets, such as churches and noble palaces, or minor buildings, such as the many civil houses, which represent the historical evolution and changing material and immaterial cultures over time. This heritage is enriched by the public areas the citizen recognises as their own and in which daily life is conducted in its multiple aspects. Among these, a central role is played by Cathedral square, which represents a public space that synthesises the evolutionary history of the city, incarnating its collective identity values. This place, the scene of multiple events, has undergone numerous transformations. The digitisation and three-dimensional reconstruction work matured as a result of scientific research based on the principles of Heritage Interpretation, which favours the dissemination of scientific knowledge. A digital application has been developed that exploits the communicative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to make the different settings of main square between past and present accessible in immersive and desktop mode, thus enabling the main architectural transformations that have taken place over time to be visualized. App based on VR technology are capable of narrating a broad audience about the architectural evolution and environments over time, facilitating the production of images that recount moments from the past, thus helping to promote the city's tangible and intangible heritage.DOI: https://doi.org/10.20365/disegnarecon.31.2023.14

This article outlines a pedagogical approach to the virtual reconstruction of the 16th-century Monastery of Madre de Deus, Lisbon, Portugal. The monastery was built upon a former palace in 1509 by Queen D. Leonor. After her death, it underwent several modifications until its present function as the National Tile Museum. These modifications have obscured its history as one of the most significant religious buildings of the Portuguese Renaissance. To recover this lost history, the research uses a pedagogical approach combining previous scholarship, a laser scanning survey, archaeological survey data, written and graphic historical descriptions, and discussions with historians. The article has two principal aims: firstly, to concretize the results of the eight reconstruction projects produced by students using a Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) methodology. Secondly, to present an alternative model of teaching history and digital technologies. Our research suggests that extending virtual reconstruction research into pedagogy can provide highly original interpretations of complex and contradictory architecture. The approach promotes meaningful collaborations between researchers and cultural institutions while immersing young professionals in the digital tools and current philosophies of architectural heritage.

Background. One of the important conditions for the final victory over tuberculosis is not only the prevention of its development and early detection, but also the provision of high-quality personalized medical care to the patient. Additive technologies and virtualization technologies are ways to fully reveal this principle in phthisiatric practice. Aim. Demonstrate the possibilities and evaluate the labor costs (time spent on virtualization and the size of the final digital files of models) while working with the Mimics inPrint 2.0.0.159 and Mimics Medical 21.0.0.406 software systems in the aspect of virtual reconstruction of the lungs of a patient with a destructive form of tuberculosis. Materials and methods. A comparative analysis of methods for creating virtual three-dimensional models of the lungs from CT images was carried out at the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Tuberculosis Dispensary. The study involved one patient with a destructive form of tuberculosis of the upper lobe of the left lung. Virtual three-dimensional models were made according to a specially developed algorithm. The time spent for the formation of virtual lung models was analyzed using the built-in function in the "Log" software. The analysis of the size of the obtained virtual lung models in the STL format was carried out using the operating system function from the Windows family "Properties", section "General", subsection "Size". Results. The most practical software package for virtual lung reconstructions turned out to be Mimics inPrint 2.0.0.159 with the result of the time spent on creating a model of 2 minutes (Mimics Medical 21.0.0.406 7 minutes 17 seconds) and a model size of 125 megabytes (Mimics Medical 21.0.0.406 26.1 megabyte). The technical nuances and algorithms of lung reconstruction covered in the article using the Mimics inPrint 2.0.0.159 and Mimics Medical 21.0.0.406 software packages will allow the interested person not to make a mistake in realizing their scientific and practical interests in the process of providing personalized care to the patient. The article focuses on the main advantages of the Mimics inPrint 2.0.0.159 software package in comparison with Mimics Medical 21.0.0.406. A brief description of similar programs is given. Conclusion. The studied software systems successfully coped with the goal assigned to them, which concerned the demonstration of their capabilities and the assessment of labor costs for virtualization. Mimics inPrint 2.0.0.159 turned out to be the most understandable and promising software and application complex for use in everyday clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION: With the continuous advancement of urbanization, urban landscape sculpture plays an increasingly important role in modern urban planning. Traditional planning and design methods make it challenging to demonstrate the three-dimensional sense and artistry of sculpture fully; therefore, this study explores a new method of planning and designing modern urban landscape sculpture based on three-dimensional virtual reconstruction. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to enhance the three-dimensional sense and artistry of urban landscape sculpture planning and design through three-dimensional virtual reconstruction technology to meet the needs of modern urban development better. By using advanced technical means, the planning and design can be made more intuitive and specific and provide urban residents with a more artistic public space. METHODS: The study adopts advanced three-dimensional virtual reconstruction technology, combined with urban planning and design theory, to plan and design modern urban landscape sculpture. Firstly, relevant literature on urban planning and sculpture design is collected to understand the existing design concepts and technical means. Secondly, a detailed virtual reconstruction of the sculpture is carried out by using three-dimensional modeling software to show the three-dimensional effect of the sculpture. Finally, the design scheme is optimized and improved through fieldwork and expert review. RESULTS: Through three-dimensional virtual reconstruction technology, this study successfully shows the whole picture of modern urban landscape sculpture. The design scheme not only has a three-dimensional sense but it has also been improved in artistry. The results of fieldwork and expert evaluation show that the new design scheme is more in line with the needs of urban development and adds a unique artistic atmosphere to the urban space. CONCLUSION: This study has achieved positive results in the field of modern urban landscape sculpture planning and design through 3D virtual reconstruction technology. The new design method not only provides a more specific tool for urban planners but also creates a more creative and artistic public space for urban residents. In the future, the application of this method in different urban contexts can be further explored and expanded to inject more innovation and vitality into urban planning and sculpture design.

This paper presents the creation of an immersive learning experience of the lost 16th-century Monastery of Madre de Deus, now the National Tile Museum in Lisbon, Portugal. It builds upon previous virtual reconstruction research which resulted in several digital models accompanied by paradata supporting the construction of different hypotheses. Reinforced by a review of relevant literature intersecting virtual heritage dissemination, research transparency and immersive learning, this paper details an immersive experience created with Shapespark 2.9.7, an online platform designed for architectural walkthroughs but repurposed for heritage dissemination. The result is a prototype that takes place in the existing building wherein the visitor can be transported to equivalent spaces of the 16th or 17th century to gain first-hand experiences of speculative pasts. While the constraints of the Shapespark platform necessitated a counterintuitive narrative workaround, this enabled creative associations to be made between the physical and virtual and the past and present. This paper identifies various advantages and disadvantages of the platform in the context of immersive learning and the long-term virtual sustainability of lost architectural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the hypothetical reconstruction of architectural heritage, there are still no scientific standards of reference concerning their sharing and documentation. Recent international initiatives established the basis to address this problem; however, still, much work needs to be done in order to systematise good practices for the process of reconstruction and its dissemination. This contribution aims to take a step forward in the analysis and visualisation of uncertainty. Some authors have suggested various approaches to visualise uncertainty for single buildings; however, case studies at the urban scale are rarely investigated. This research proposes an improved source-based multi-feature approach aimed at analysing and visualising (through false-colour shading) the uncertainty of hypothetical 3D digital models of urban areas. The assessment of uncertainty is also quantified qualitatively by using newly defined formulas which calculate the average uncertainty weighted on the volume of the 3D model. This methodology aims to improve the objectiveness, unambiguity, transparency, reusability, and readability of hypothetical reconstructive 3D models, and its use is exemplified in the case study of the hypothetical reconstruction of Piazza delle Erbe in Verona, a project presented in the form of a docufilm at EXPO 2015 in Milan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to reflect on methods and applications of digital technology in the field of art history, specifically on the topic of the medieval sculpture's reuse in the modern age. We present as a case study the pulpit of the church of San Bartolomeo in Pantano in Pistoia, whose 13th-century sculptural and architectural apparatus has undergone, over time, numerous alterations and relocations that have compromised the interpretation of its original configuration. The goal is to reconstruct a 3D digital model of the medieval artefact, based on specific and commonly accepted historical-artistic hypotheses. The digital model becomes essential for the analysis and study of the monument, as well as a tool to increase the understanding and appreciation of the artwork by a non-expert audience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeological artifacts play important role in understanding the past developments of the humanity. However, the artifacts are often highly fragmented and degraded, with many details and parts missing due to centuries' long degradation. Archaeologists and conservators attempt to reconstruct the original state of the objects either physically or virtually. This process includes characterizing and matching fragments' features to identify which ones belong together. However, this process currently requires an extensive and tedious manual labor. Recent development in computational techniques gave rise to computer-assisted ways of virtual reconstruction, where the computer suggests solutions to the puzzle of scattered fragments and supplements or fully replaces manual labor. However, the capabilities of computational techniques remain limited in many aspects. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art computational techniques for puzzle and virtual reconstruction problems in cultural heritage applications, in general – with a particular interest in archaeological textiles. We overview existing computational methods, their applications and limitations. Afterward, based on the current knowledge gaps, we discuss where the field should go next. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]