Reconstructing Spatial Narratives 02
As a physical object, the diorama can be manipulated in the same way a real space can, miniature furniture can be assembled, arranged, re-arranged, removed, destroyed, structure can be constructed, pulled apart, peeled back, the model allows the builder to create āscenesā in a similar way to that of a theatre set. Historical events can be staged, played back, interrogating the chronology of the space and the resulting ruin of the present.
With the use of 3d scan data this method of representation and reconstruction has an increased sense of historical accuracy, each surface can be portrayed with a sense of history as detail is maintained where previously it would have been impossible to reproduce. The resultant images (Figs 5,6,7,) are archaeological in nature, they āsynthesize (reconstruct, represent and simulate) the past.ā (Pearson and Thomas, 1995).
In this example, 3d laser scanning of heritage architecture and ruins offers a unique opportunity to represent and reconstruct historic conditions of a place through scaled dioramas. Using point cloud data to produce full colour scaled elevations of the existing āruinā allows a scaled, physical representation of a place to be built and used to reconstruct past events or āmemoriesā. The models or ādioramasā offer a more āholisticā method of representation, one which includes the multi-sensory and subjective nature of experience. Something exists in the ādioramaā that is inherent in the building but which is usually hidden. The historic narrative of the building can be revealed, these low tech constructions embody Dagerreās concept of āa tool through which to seeā. Ultimately this method of representation is intended to allow architects, designers and historians to develop a greater understanding of a placeās historic spatial narrative and evidence of past events to produce architecture which is contextual, design which is a response to, and a description of, the specific physical qualities, and historic narratives of the site.