Creating the 3D Model of Triumphal Arch for Trafalgar Square installation
London, UK (PRWEB UK) 18 April 2016 -- Vertex Modelling, creators of the 3D model of London, was approached by Institute of Digital Archaeology with a commission to create 3D model of the destroyed Palmyra’s Triumphal Arch for planned installation in Trafalgar Square, London.
The brief of this commission was to capture all possible detail visible on historical photographs of this site, including signs of passing of time and weathering. This project was only possible thanks to Vertex Modelling having over 10 years of experience in photogrammetry and remote sensing with highly competent team of 3D Modellers and digital sculptors.
“Working with a variety of historical photographs taken by cameras of unknown lens distortion was certainly challenging,” says Michal Konicek form Vertex Modelling. “When working with terrestrial photogrammetry, the ideal is to have calibrated cameras and secondary measurements. As for various reasons this was not possible for this site, we had to revert to a fusion of technology and artistic skills of our employees to achieve the required level of accuracy and detail.”
The first part of the process was to create the arch. Digital sculptor Eder de Souza began modelling a basic shape in Maya and then sent the model to ZBrush where he began sculpting in the decoration, damage and textured the model by digital painting. When this was finished, the original high poly model was decimated to low poly and then Eder created UVs, normal maps and texture and applied them back to this low poly mesh for visualisation in Sketchfab.
The model that will be displayed in Trafalgar Square is a direct derivative of the model captured by Vertex Modelling. In order for the model to be translated into stone, it needed to be converted into an engineering structure by number of post-processes to end with solid 3D Model. Finally the model needed to be tweaked in order to separate the model into blocks and a final check was done to verify that all of the surface texture was defined in such a way that it was compatible with the manufacturing technique.
“To work on the Palmyra Arche was truly rewarding and it represented welcome change from our day-to-day work of capturing 3D Models of cities,” says Eder De Souza, 3D Modeller at Vertex Modelling. “I had lots of experience but I still had to improve my skills in digital sculpting for this project. As the idea was to either 3D print or mill this monument in real 1:1 scale I had to really step up here. I am very pleased with the way this replica turned out.”
The 1:1 replica of this monument has now been milled out of marble and after official unveiling by Mayor of London Boris Johnson on 19th of April at 1PM it will be publicly displayed in Trafalgar Square until 20th of April 2016.
Notes to Editors
For further information on Vertex Modelling, please contact:
Michal Konicek
020 7202 1406
Michal(Dot)konicek(at)vertexmodelling(dot)co(dot)uk
Katie Donohoe
020 3829 8699
Katie.Donohoe(at)vertexmodelling.co(dot)uk
About Vertex Modelling:
Vertex Modelling specialise in creating the most accurate and detailed architectural 3D models. Utilising state-of-the-art remote sensing technology the company has the ability to capture any site using the latest high-resolution aerial imagery. Vertex Modelling creates models sites to unparalleled levels of detail and accuracy.
Michal Konicek, Vertex Modelling, +44 2072021406, [email protected]
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