World Heritage Image Library Idea!

World Heritage Image Library Idea!

In 2016 I submitted a white paper with supporting videos and images with a proposal to create a World Heritage Image Libray for an International competition sponsored by Virgin.

Around that time ISIS went on a rampage systematically destroying many historical buildings and monuments In Syria. It is unfortunate we are again witnessing similar atrocities in Ukraine with the terrible costs of human life and the destruction of so many Heritage buildings and monuments in this terrible war.

As an engineer, I often think about the infrastructure and buildings lost and ponder the issues of reconstruction. I have written to our leaders in the UK Government to be proactive in establishing funding and resources specifically to act quickly to help Ukraine rebuild. However, as usual, the cogs of government take a long time to turn and this does not seem to be a real priority for them.

Getting back on topic. The paper I submitted for the International competition outlined a method to address the issues of restoration and reconstruction where Architectural and Engineering documentation was limited or none existent… which typically would relate to historical buildings and monuments.

The idea was to develop an International Digital Image Library of photographs, film, paintings, sketches and illustrations which would be a single resource for reconstruction purposes and if in sufficient quantities could be used to create digital 3d models through a process known as Photogrammetry. Photogrammetry is the art and science of extracting 3D information from photographs. The process involves taking overlapping photographs of an object, structure or space and converting them into 2D or 3D digital models. The library should be an online portal for global submissions with an option to be able to send in the raw format whether that be film, paintings, sketches or illustrations for the purpose of scanning.

I would envisage a global appeal to photographers, artists, filmmakers and visitors (tourists) that would have taken photos or created works of art of global historical buildings and monuments that have been destroyed by war, natural destructive events or have simply been eroded over time. The idea of a global library would yield considerable quantities of images in various formats that would be invaluable to any rebuilding effort.

I recently wrote to the Ukraine Embassy proposing this same idea, though more specific to the Ukrainian situation. They are currently promoting the “Postcards from Ukraine” campaign which features before and after images of buildings affected by this conflict. I had hoped they would consider this suggestion as an addendum to their current campaign.

As I haven’t heard back from them I thought it may be worthwhile sharing this idea and see what you think. Ultimately a Heritage Image Bank needs to be a global initiative. In many ways, this would not be too dissimilar to the rationale that established the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.