Experiencing an Ancient Assyrian Palace: Methods for a Reconstruction (2001)
article⁄Experiencing an Ancient Assyrian Palace: Methods for a Reconstruction (2001)
abstract⁄The various forms of two and threedimensional applications of Computer Aided Design provide methods for analyzing, seeing, and presenting newly realized design work. It can be used to recreate building spaces unseen since their collapse centuries ago. In our project we blur the lines between the design of new architectural spaces and the reconception of ancient spaces, thus merging the fields of architecture and archaeology using digital technology. Archaeologists and Architects are interested in similar goals concerning the depiction of space and form but archaeologists must deduce from historical, cultural and social comparisons as well as actual excavated remains. Our project is reconstructing the 9thcentury BCE Palace of Ashurnasirpal II situated in Iraq. Though much of the palace has been excavated its architecture and full artistic program will never again be fully realized. Attempting to visualize partially preserved archaeological sites depends upon deductive reasoning, empirical wisdom and sound research. By modeling digitally and using ‘realtime’ Javabased programming, the researchers have learned more quickly about the building than through traditional flat plans, crosssections, drawn perspectives and constructed models. We are able to ‘inhabit’ specific interior and exterior spaces in ways not possible before. Using the tools of digital archaeology allows a myriad of educational possibilities for the scholar, student or layperson.
