Between June 12th and 14th Slovenia's Idrija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its mercury mining history, transformed into a vibrant hub for cultural heritage revival, ARCTUR, a partner in the 5DCulture project, contributed with an intensive 3-day masterclass on 3D digitisation.
The program pulsed with energy, drawing 40 participants – primarily Slovenians with guests from Slovakia and Romania. It transcended lectures and discussions. Participants enjoyed movie nights, concerts, and guided tours, all culminating in three parallel masterclasses: 3D digitization, storytelling, and the art of lime plaster. Notably, this event formed part of the official program for Nova Gorica-Gorizia's European Capital of Culture GO! 2025.
Unearthing the Secrets of 3D Digitization
ARCTUR's 3D artists and developers, Luka Vodopivec and Matteo Pascale, partnered with ID20, a local Idrija NGO, to deliver the captivating 3D digitization masterclass. Through a dynamic blend of theory and practice, the masterclass equipped participants – a diverse group ranging from professional photographers and new media artists to educators and creatives – with the skills to breathe new life into cultural heritage using 3D technology.
An unassuming object – an old suitcase, a relic from the Giser House – became the focal point of the digitization experience. Here, beginners unraveled the mysteries of 3D capture, differentiating between laser scanning and photogrametry. The entire process unfolded before their eyes: setting up a makeshift studio, meticulously adjusting lighting, strategically placing markers, and capturing images with precise camera settings.
From Snapshots to a Digital Masterpiece
The journey didn't end with capturing images. Participants dove into the world of photo processing and editing. Specialized software transformed the captured photographs into a three-dimensional form. The intricate point cloud was then refined into a detailed mesh, meticulously cleaned of imperfections. Finally, textures were created and applied, bringing the 3D model to life. This collaborative effort culminated in a stunning digital replica of the suitcase – a testament to the collective learning experience.
In parallel, participants delved into the exciting world of mobile apps for 3D capture, creating smaller, less complex models of miners' helmets. This exercise served a crucial purpose, particularly for educational settings where the focus isn't on high-fidelity models, but on igniting an understanding of 3D technology's potential for learning and engagement.
The Power of Reinterpretation
The masterclass concluded with a thought-provoking exploration of how 3D models can be repurposed for innovative interpretation and new media applications. Together with Matevž Straus, ARCTUR's Heritage+ Lead, the group envisioned how the digitized suitcase could be used in new media formats to weave a captivating narrative about the Giser House, the lives of miners, Idrija's unique housing heritage, and the town itself.
The valuable learning materials developed for this masterclass will be a boon for future 3D digitization enthusiasts. ARCTUR, committed to knowledge sharing, will make them available through 5DCulture channels, empowering heritage enthusiasts worldwide.
