Work on DECIMA 3D has continued since the conclusion of the seminar in Venice last June. Block by block, I (Eric) have been removing any modern structures from our 3D model to bring the number of polyhedrons into accordance with the Buonsignori map. Wherever there is a structure missing from the scale-back a building footprint is left where there should be one according to 1584. Generic models will be generated from these once the modern map has been policed for its post-sixteenth century features. I (Eric) have also been at work on DECIMA-related publication efforts. An article exploring the theoretical and technical considerations involved in creating the 3D GIS is currently at the proof-reading stage for the online journal DISEGNARECON. The current issue examines the limitations and potential of emerging technology for helping researchers understand historical urban environments, an extremely relevant subject considering DECIMA’s content!
Aside from these areas, we continue to deepen our current collaborations and explore new ones. Our partnership with Hidden Florence has supported a new postdoc for former DECIMA head RA Daniel Jamison. We’ve also developed four new tours for the Hidden Florence app that are being finalized now and should be available mid-March. Earlier in the fall, our co-PIs Profs. Nicholas Terpstra and Colin Rose hosted representatives from seven other digital humanities projects for a three-day workshop at Villa I Tatti outside of Florence. We’re considering serving as a visual platform, one that includes economic and demographic historical data, for these projects, all of which are art or architectural history ventures. The group, which includes historians from University of Virginia, William and Mary, and University of Chicago, is exploring applying for a Getty group grant and another partnership with the Innocenti (foundling hospital) in Florence.
We’ve enjoyed hearing updates from other groups since June, and look forward to continuing the conversation back in Venice!
