Within Reach
A 3D Modeling and Printing Project Envisioning a Future Where Mixed Reality Bridges the Gap Between Visitors and Artifacts
TEAM: Ruyan Chen
MY JOB: Photogrammetry, 3D Modeling and Printing
TOOLS: Metashape, Houdini
PROJECT OVERVIEW
TO acquire foundational skills in procedural modeling with Houdini and in photogrammetry in Metashape, I developed a series of 3D printed sculptural objects. These 3D printed objects emphasized the action of “touching” that will become possible in Mixed Reality Museums.
CONCEPT & INSPIRATION
In traditional art museums, visitors are separated from artifacts by glass cases, prohibiting touch. However, in mixed reality (MR) museums, this separation may dissolve. Visitors will be able to interact with virtual replicas of physical artifacts in multiple ways. Visitors’ “hands” will be the primary way of “touching” the artifacts.
OBJECTIVES
- To emphasize “touch” and establish a visual consistency through repeated use of “hand”.
PROCESS & METHODOLOGY
Photogrammetry
Experimented with photogrammetry to capture different objects.
Procedural Modeling in Houdini
3D Printing
OUTCOMES
Sculpture #1
The first sculpture emphasizes the fact that glass cases prevent visitors from having any tangible interactions with the museum artifacts, which is shown by the missing or invisible fingers. The finger dents on the ceramics hint MR’s potential and affordances of enabling museum visitors to interact with the artifacts displayed one day.
Sculpture #2
The second sculpture has a hand holding the handle of the vessel. This indicates that interaction has taken place in MR museums.
Sculpture #3
The third sculpture depicts a hand passing through a vessel, with scattered dents of varying sizes and depths on the hand, creating a digitized effect that signifies its virtual nature in MR museums. The hand penetrating the vessel emphasizes its intangibility, indicating that it is a digital replica, and suggests that visitors can manipulate digital objects in MR museums.
Sculpture #4
The fourth sculpture features two hands attempting to open the top of a vessel, revealing its interior. This symbolizes how MR will allow visitors to access information that remains hidden in traditional museums.
Sculpture #5
The final sculpture depicts a hand in Spider-Man’s signature gesture, shooting a web at an animal-like vessel that appears to evade capture, highlighting the potential for gamification in MR museums.
