Books by Bob Martens

Tackling the information gap: Comprehensive scientific documentation of virtual reconstructions
Advanced Research and Design Tools for Architectural Heritage - Unforeseen , 2024
This contribution discusses virtual reconstruction activities focused on destroyed sacral buildin... more This contribution discusses virtual reconstruction activities focused on destroyed sacral buildings and their historical context. The research work has expanded far beyond the initial project of reconstructing a vanished synagogue in the City of Vienna (Austria). The development and implementation of conventions for modelling and documentation became essential as the number of reconstruction projects grew. The research primarily focuses on (public) buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, utilising planning documents, historical photographs, paintings, and comparable buildings for reference. The accuracy of virtual reconstructions varies based on available artefacts and archival material. The scope has expanded to include historical railway stations, and interdisciplinary collaboration supports the ongoing research work. This chapter emphasises the importance of documented research, the challenges of accessing and interpreting archival materials, and the advantages and limitations of computer-aided modelling. The long- term preservation of model data, software compatibility, and the management of uncertainties and information gaps are critical considerations in virtual reconstruction projects. The innovative aspects of this research lie in its continuous long-term focus, comprehensive documentation, and the use of digital tools to communicate historical buildings effectively.
Conference Presentations by Bob Martens

Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Construction Applications of Virtual Reality, 2011
This contribution focuses on the so-called “Virtual Building Explorer (VBE)”, an adapted game-eng... more This contribution focuses on the so-called “Virtual Building Explorer (VBE)”, an adapted game-engine, which is now being used for communicating architectural information as it provides an interactive display of 3D scenes. The paper discusses the handling of this software and the creation of self-running applications. It also offers a comparison with other applications with a similar 3D visualisation performance profile. The aim is to test suitability of the software packages for establishing 3D walkthrough models of sacred buildings, based on existing 3D models of destroyed Viennese synagogues. The paper explores and explains the conditions for data conversion and any follow-up uses. While certain restrictions exist, potential benefits for the virtual reconstruction context can be identified.

Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Construction Applications of Virtual Reality, 2011
This contribution focuses on the so-called “Virtual Building Explorer (VBE)”, an adapted game-eng... more This contribution focuses on the so-called “Virtual Building Explorer (VBE)”, an adapted game-engine, which is now being used for communicating architectural information as it provides an interactive display of 3D scenes. The paper discusses the handling of this software and the creation of self-running applications. It also offers a comparison with other applications with a similar 3D visualisation performance profile. The aim is to test suitability of the software packages for establishing 3D walkthrough models of sacred buildings, based on existing 3D models of destroyed Viennese synagogues. The paper explores and explains the conditions for data conversion and any follow-up uses. While certain restrictions exist, potential benefits for the virtual reconstruction context can be identified.
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Books by Bob Martens
Conference Presentations by Bob Martens