A photogrammetry project in Braunschweig
At Stelzer Technologies, I like the challenge to work on difficult projects, that are pushing the boundaries of the technological tools. One of my recent projects took me to the heart of Braunschweig, where I collaborated with Portuguese artist Rita to create a captivating VR art installation for the Landesmuseum Braunschweig. The centerpiece of this installation? A meticulously detailed 3D model of the Braunschweiger Dom, brought to life through the power of photogrammetry and Blender.
The Challenge: Capturing the Essence of the Dom
Rita’s vision for the VR installation was ambitious: a comprehensive 3D model of the Braunschweiger Dom, with a particular focus on its intricate ceilings. This task required us to take over 10,000 photos, each one a piece of the puzzle that would form the final model. Using RealityCapture, we stitched these images together to recreate the Dom’s interior with stunning accuracy.
However, this project was not without its challenges. Due to restrictions, we could only take photos during the first hour after sunrise and before the Dom opened to the public. The limited lighting inside the Dom meant we had to rely primarily on its regular illumination, with only minimal additional lighting allowed.
Adding to the complexity, our photo campaign coincided with Easter, leading to frequent changes inside the Dom. Decorations like the Easter cross with flowers appeared and disappeared, and chairs were constantly rearranged. Despite these hurdles, we successfully created a detailed 3D model, complete with the unique artifacts caused by these changes.
The Digital Masterpiece: Artifacts and All
One of the fascinating aspects of this project was the presence of artifacts in the final model. For instance, the ghostly image of the Easter cross and the remnants of chairs scattered on the floor. Rita decided to keep these artifacts in the VR installation, viewing them as akin to brush strokes on a painting, adding depth and narrative to the digital artwork.
Among the most striking details captured were the tomb of Heinrich der Löwe and his wife, the statues of bishops, the ancient “Imervard” cross, and the intricate ceiling paintings. These elements were not only faithfully recreated but also highlighted in the VR installation, allowing viewers to experience the Dom’s historical and artistic significance in an entirely new way.
A Journey of Recognition and Preservation
For me personally, this project was a journey of rediscovery. After weeks of working with digital representations of the Dom, stepping back into the physical space felt like coming home. It was an emotional experience, bridging the gap between the digital and the real.
Interestingly, shortly after our photo campaign, the Dom underwent renovations, including the installation of a new organ. As a result, our digital model preserves a version of the Dom that no longer exists in reality. This aspect of the project underscores the importance of digital preservation in maintaining historical records.
Media Gallery
Join the Journey
This project is a testament to the power of photogrammetry and VR in preserving and experiencing history. At Stelzer Technologies, I am excited about the possibilities this technology offers for future projects.
If you are interested in collaborating or learning more about my services, I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter for the latest updates. Let’s explore how I can bring your vision to life with my expertise in photogrammetry and VR.