This project is a web-based showcase of the artifact collections held at the Okanagan Heritage Museum. In collaboration with the Kelowna Museums Society, the museum artifacts are reconstructed into 3D models using a combination of photogrammetry and 3D scanning. These 3D models are organized into a web gallery, complete with annotations that reveal the rich history of the objects, and a full range of control for users to explore these artifacts with a level of interaction that even physical visits may not allow.
The objects are photographed on site (Okanagan Heritage Museum), reconstructed in Autodesk ReCap Photo, re-topologized in Blender and, using the Sketchfab API, displayed within a webpage for convenient, global access.
Like most establishments, the museum has had to limit physical presence within their premises, in accordance with the social distancing guidelines brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. For a prospective visitor, this means infrequent visits, and fewer opportunities to learn about the Okanagan Valley and its history. For the Kelowna Museums Society, this means less exposure and community engagement with local culture. By introducing these virtual experiences online, we can afford the museum a way to overcome the social distancing barrier between potential visitors and the exhibits, add a new level of interaction between visitors and the collections, and we can promote the cultural heritage of the Okanagan Valley, a pillar in the rich tapestry of British Columbia’s history.
Leading this project is Dalmarr Hussein, a digital media professional with advanced artistic and technical expertise within the realm of 3D visualization. He has a great deal of experience constructing 3D models of both organic and hard-surface structures, and he has taken his skills to a wide range of digital media endeavours, such as the Waterways project led by Dr. Aleksandra Dulic. With a minor in computer science, Dalmarr also exhibits a high level of competency in software development, with experience in both mobile app development and web design.
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