Using VR for the reconstruction and restoration of historical gardens

Ramzi Hassan

A new course is offered for the autumn 2009 semester. 3D modelling and visualization techniques are used as a supportive tool for the analysis of a historical garden.

The aim is to give the students knowledge of central topics in relation to investigation, conservation, restoration and management of historical gardens and landscapes, including the challenges in today's cultural heritage management for both private and public sector. When the course is finished, the students should be able to recognize and investigate an historical garden or garden element, and present an analysis of this according to historical sources. Students will use 3D modelling and visualization techniques as a supportive tool for the analysis. Basic 3D modelling techniques will be introduced for students.

Students working on the collection and analysis of data in Bergen. Photo: Ramzi Hassan

The course is based on a combination of lectures, excursions and group work, and consists of a theoretical part, a studio part and a part with introduction into 3D modelling techniques. The emphasis is put on investigation of gardens and garden elements and interpretation of the historical traces and remains. The participants will get an overview of the tools used to analyse the traces in the landscape, which plants belong to the different historical eras of Norwegian history of the art of gardening. Conventions and regulations, ICOMOS/IFLA’s Florence-charter. The relation between cultural and natural heritage management. In addition, the course explains the procedures for treatment of an historical garden in the planning process. Conservation and restoration plans, methodology, development of main concept, analysis of the existing situation, discussion of historical relations, and management plans.

Students during the site visit to Stend in Bergen Photo: Ramzi Hassan

Data and information will be fed into a digital model. The digital model will then be visualized at the Virtual Reality Lab. Through real-time interaction with the 3D model, the different historical phases and development of the site can be visualized. This will enhance the understanding of the configuration of the site and can form a basis for sound decisions concerning the conservation and management of the garden.

Published: 01.10.09
Updated: 08.03.11
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Virtual Reality Lab

For more information contact :
Ramzi Hassan Dr.Scient.
Associate Professor, Computer Visualizations in Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture.
Department of Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning.
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB).
P.O.BOX 5029,
1432 Aas - Norway
E-mail: ramzi.hassan@umb.no
Phone: +47 64965358
Fax: +47 64948390
Mobile: +47 97001573