Columbus, Indiana: modernist architecture
context: Columbus, IN
Columbus is a city in southern Indiana known for its treasure trove of modernist architecture, earning it the nickname “Athens on the Prairie”.
Of particular note are the 2 buildings and sculpture forming the public space that this project focuses on: First Christian Church by Eliel Saarinen, Cleo Rogers Memorial Library by I.M. Pei, and “Large Arch” by Henry Moore.
a Problem of access
The large plaza bounded by Pei’s library and Saarinen’s church is a public space, and visitors can freely enter both the library and the church during business hours. However, the design principles underlying the architectural and urban organization that are so important to the success of this place as a space are mostly invisible to the casual passerby.
The “Reading Architecture” project illuminates these hidden design decisions through an experiential virtual reality application that allows virtual visitors to walk around the plaza and discover the underlying principles at their own pace.
A new 3D digital survey
The survey and virtual reality application were commissioned by the Indiana University School of Art, Architecture, and Design (SOAAD) to coincide with the inaugural Columbus Biennial, “Exhibit Columbus”, a celebration of the city’s past and present commitment to art and architecture.
Above: Interactive ‘info-cards’ designed for the VR application
the process
Digitization was carried out using a UAV (drone) carrying a camera, as well as a high-resolution digital mirrorless camera.
In total, approximately 4 city blocks were scanned in high-resolution 3D.
The virtual reality application was built in UnrealEngine4, a real-time rendering engine, and supports the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive virtual reality platforms.
The VR environment
The virtual reality application was used for public outreach and fundraising events at IU’s Center for Art and Design in Columbus, Indiana. The application will eventually be released on an international distribution platform, allowing users from around the world to virtually visit Columbus.