3D Modeling and “Relief-Printing” for a More Inclusive Fruition of Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Nowadays a significant portion of the general public cannot fully experience an archaeological exhibition due to the presence of several sensory barriers. In this work, I will focus on how technology can help to overcome one of these barriers: blindness. This goal can be achieved (by) creating touchable copies of finds where depicted decorations or inscriptions can be perceived through tactile experience. The process to build such (enriched) copies is structured in several steps: it starts from photogrammetry and ends with 3D printing. The aim of this process is not only to create a copy but also to provide a deeper understanding of the object and widen our experience of how we look at and read inscriptions. This is why the realization of such copies may be useful for a wider public, for example, children that will be afforded the chance to touch the ancient objects, thus understanding them better. Some relevant issues that affect the quality of the results are to be considered and require further analysis, such as the choice of the object, with respect to the complexity of decoration, and the adequate material for printing. The process has been tested on a figured vessel preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Paestum's storage. The produced copy with decoration in relief has been evaluated and approved by two members of the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted People (a blind woman and a visually impaired man).