Project David
3D modeling / virtual reality
Project David focuses on the process of creating an architecturally precise 3D digital reconstruction for use in a virtual reality learning environment. Using the 4th century BCE Cyrene Treasury at Delphi, Greece, the platform is a template for presenting three dimensional models in a space that will allow for physical interaction through gestures and voice commands.
The ultimate goal of this project is to have a virtual hands-free interface that is projected three dimensionally within a classroom for multi-user interaction
“On the surface, the whole ideas seems crazy and complex. But it’s really just like playing with”virtual legos” only the legos are filled with books and videos and cool things to explore.”
Microsoft Kinect's motion sensor camera creates a "bridge" that unifies the digital world to our physical reality.
Phase 1: Reconstructing The Treasury of the Cyrene
Creating an architecturally precise digital model of the Cyrene Treasury was the first challenge of this project.
The primary focus was to model each element of the original structure, stone by stone, as it originally stood or so hypothesized by the source documents.
The final digital rendering is arguably the most detailed and accurate reconstruction of the Cyrene Treasury currently in existence.
More importantly though, each component has the potential to become an interactive element that users can access to learn more about the structure.
Source Document: Le Trésor de Cyrène. Fouilles de Delphes. Tome II, Topographie et architecture. Relevés et restaurations par J. Bousquet et Y. Fomine. Paris, E. de Boccard, 1952
Phase 2: UX/UI Design
Creating fluid, responsive, and ergonomic interactions are vital for a successful experience within a gesture based environment.
Equally important is the wealth of information users can access.The following high fidelity wireframes illustrate a hypothetical interaction sequence from the program.
Final Scale of Projected Interface: 11ft x 9ft
Phase 3: Exhibition Design and Installation
The final phase in the process was to demonstrate the platform in a live space with actual users.
Project David was installed and presented to the public on April 18th, 2013 at Coastal Carolina University.
Preliminary Floor Plan Renderings
Installation Process
set fabrication, environmental graphics, and digital hardware (52" LCD TV, HD Projector, CPU, Microsoft Kinect)
Final Exhibit Space
Posters On The Hill
Each Spring the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) hosts an annual undergraduate poster session on Capitol Hill.
This event helps members of Congress understand the importance of undergraduate research by talking directly with the students whom these programs impact.
Over 900 entries are submitted nationally each year and only 60 chosen.
