Thinking in digital spaces

Archaeology is interested in space and perception in the past and we use digital technologies to create virtual simulations of past environments, creating new places to think inside. Whilst digital environments of all kind provide novel means to interact with archaeological information we are particularly interested in the creation of physically accurate environments. We use as much information as possible in the creation of digital objects, architecture and landscapes and then visualise them using computer graphic approaches tied to physical laws of the propogation of light, interaction of light with surfaces, participating media and artificial illumination. In turn we are interested in questions of perception and performance in digital spaces.

Much of our research focusses on the use of representational environments as the means to build new spatial interpretations. A few examples include:

• Ongoing research by Gareth Beale (PhD) and others into the appreciation of ROman statues in context, focussed on off-the-shelf solutions for accurate representation of geometry, colour and light
• Extensive programme of simulation underway at Catalhoyuk, where we have concentrated on physical accuracy in order to digitally recontextualise materials such as the wall paintings from the “Hunting Shrine” and evidence for oter complex decorated envirornments recovered from the ongoing excavations at the site.