Virtual rebuilding and documentation of the historical old market of domat al-jandal city

Abstract

Urban heritage is a precious asset for humanity, reflecting its accomplishments over the eras. There are many buildings and heritage sites that have been lost due to lack of interest in documenting and preserving them. At this present time, when the information about these buildings and heritage sites are available, that leads to make studies for virtually rebuilding them. The aim of this study is to use modern technology to virtually rebuild and document the data of the old market of Domat Al-Jandal, and make a virtual rebuilding of the market, to be a strong historical addition to this archaeological area as it was before. This historical market was one of the most famous old markets in the Arabian Peninsula, which was destroyed in 1974 as a result of urban development and the absence of development strategies to protect the market’s urban heritage. The author digitally documents and preserves the market for architectural, urban, construction, and other purposes. The study includes a set of important steps, beginning with collecting information from different sources about the old market through interviews and collecting both of old and new aerial photographs for the case study site. Computing software and 3-D digital modeling technology are then used to virtual rebuilding of the market and document it via a virtual reality system using real materials. Finally, this study provides details related to the features and terrain of the ancient Dumat Al-Jandal market. The study showed that the reconstructed market will consist of two parts with 42 shops, 33 shops facing on the corridor of market`s piazza, and 9 of which were with piazza-facing entrances.