AIC's 52nd Annual Meeting

In recent years, 3D technology has emerged as a transformational set of tools in the realm of cultural heritage preservation. This poster explores the multifaceted applications of 3D technology, with traditional model making practices in cultural restoration, creation of replicas to enhance museum accessibility, mount making for exhibitions, and artifact storage and transportation. With the ability to capture intricate details, facilitate precise reproduction, and enhance preservation efforts, 3D technology has become an invaluable to the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.




Cultural Restoration:

One of the most compelling aspects of 3D technology is its role in cultural restoration. This set of case studies will delve into the ways in which 3D scanning, printing, and CNC machining can breathe new life into damaged or deteriorating artifacts. This set of examples will show where 3D technology has been employed to recreate lost or damaged sacred objects that are cultural treasures, in collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the native Alaskan Tlingit clans, enabling us to recover and appreciate their heritage in ways never before possible.




Creating Replicas for Museum Accessibility:

Museum accessibility is a central concern for institutions worldwide. 3D technology is making cultural heritage more accessible than ever before. Examples will show how 3D scans, 3D CAD modeling and digital sculpting are transformed into tactile replicas, enhanced by traditional model making, enabling visually impaired visitors to engage with artifacts through touch, for the National Museum of American History exhibitions "American Democracy" and "Many Voices, One Nation".




Mount Making for Exhibition:

Mounting and displaying artifacts in exhibitions pose unique challenges. Examples showcase how 3D technology can revolutionize mount making by providing custom-fit, aesthetically pleasing, and preservation-friendly solutions. Such as creating 3D printed "stand-ins" during the mount making process, resulting in safer production. Attendees will gain insights into the process of creating tailored mounts using 3D production processes, that are non-invasive and reduce artifact handling.




Storage and Transit of Artifacts:

Preserving artifacts during storage and transit is of paramount importance for cultural institutions. Examples will highlight how 3D CAD modeling assisted in the creation of a custom painting mount for exhibition and transportation. The process enabled limited handling of the painting, precise planning with conservation staff, and informing the traditional mount making process, to create a mount that that stabilized the object, and was utilized for exhibition and transportation.




Each of the case studies will site challenges, and successes of incorporating 3D technology into the display, preservation, and restoration efforts. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of 3D technology in various aspects of cultural heritage preservation.




The intersection of 3D technology and cultural preservation represents a dynamic frontier where tradition meets innovation. Join us for an exploration of how this technology is shaping the future of cultural heritage conservation, restoration, and accessibility. Whether you are a curator, conservator, researcher, or enthusiast, this poster will inspire you with the possibilities that 3D technology offers in the realm of cultural heritage preservation.