Revitalising cultural heritage through advanced 3D technology

Revitalising cultural heritage through advanced 3D technology

RMIT Vietnam’s School of Communication & Design in collaboration with Adobe, held training for national museums and archive centres to explore the role of 3D technology in preserving indigenous culture and heritage.

3D technology, in particular Adobe 3D Substance, is used widely by organisations globally. It has been integrated into the fashion, design and digital media programs at RMIT and has helped improve creative possibilities in these fields. However, its use in preserving Vietnam’s ethnic minorities’ traditional fashion and textiles is new and evolving.

The Vietnam Design Research Studio for Sustainable and Resilient Fashion Futures (VDRS) project, funded by RMIT Vietnam’s Strategic Innovation Challenge Fund, has adopted an innovative approach to take advantage of the technology in preserving the Indigenous cultural heritage, and foster a renewed appreciation of these traditions in a modern context. 

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-1-revitalising-cultural-heritage-with-advanced-3d-technology-2' Representatives from local museums and archive centres, and RMIT Vietnam staff experienced advanced 3D technology in preserving cultural heritage.

In an era where globalisation and urbanisation threaten to erode these rich cultural heritages, this approach at the intersection of technology, culture, and education, not only preserves these traditions but also revitalises them. By making them accessible to future generations through digital mediums, it ensures cultural treasures continue to thrive and inspire.

More than 35 participants from local museums and archive centres, as well as RMIT Vietnam’s academic and professional staff took part in the training. It offered an exciting experience for those who are interested in exploring the digitisation process for historical and cultural heritage assets in the digital age.

Director of the National Archive Center IV, Mr Nguyen Xuan Hung said: “We face significant challenges in preserving and promoting nearly 34,000 woodblocks from the Nguyen Dynasty. These large wooden artifacts boast intricate patterns, motifs, and ancient Chinese characters in relief. Merely capturing them in photographs for an exhibition does not fully capture their impressive detail and craftsmanship”.

“The 3D digitisation offered by the Adobe software ecosystem is an ideal solution for archiving these woodblocks. It enhances the visibility of the engravings and supports ideas for virtual exhibitions, allowing viewers to focus on key details. If effectively implemented, this technology could pave the way for future virtual exhibitions.”

Dr An Thu Tra from the Museum of Ethnology said the software was very useful for instantly converting artifacts, such as patterns from H’mong or Thai cultures, into 3D forms. She noted its potential for enhancing the museum’s communication and education efforts, particularly in digitising traditional costumes and headscarves with unique ethnic designs. 

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-2-revitalising-cultural-heritage-with-advanced-3d-technology' RMIT Vietnam School of Communication & Design, in collaboration with Adobe, offered a training series for national museum and archive centre representatives and its staff to enhance cultural preservation and promote indigenous heritage.

Ms Phuong Thu Hien from the Vietnamese Women Museum said in the digital era, museums need innovative approaches to present artifacts to the public, especially younger generations.

“In recent years, a growing number of young visitors have come to the museum, eager to learn about the history and traditions of Vietnamese women. We believe that integrating this new technology will make the museum’s artifacts more engaging and visually appealing, helping to connect them with the public, particularly younger audiences. Through this, we aim to inspire a deeper appreciation and understanding of the rich heritage of Vietnamese women,” she said.

Program Manager of the Bachelor of Fashion at RMIT Vietnam and VDRS Project Manager, Ms Corinna Joyce said the VDRS serves as a cornerstone in the preservation of traditional knowledge among 53 ethnic minorities in Vietnam.

“We hope to build a platform that not only preserves this knowledge but also amplifies its voice. We are looking at the collaboration between diverse knowledge systems and artisans, hoping to not only preserve but also bring these textile traditions into a modern context, demonstrating how they can contribute to the evolution of the fashion industry.

“Training is a part of building this platform, particularly in the archival aspect. We aim to bring these techniques and knowledge to a broader audience. Currently, these techniques are relatively isolated, even within Vietnam. By digitising them, we aim to build a platform where people can access the beauty, techniques, and knowledge behind these traditions. With the use of 3D technology, we believe we can achieve this in a digital format,” she said.

The training strengthened new and existing partnerships between RMIT Vietnam and museums and archive centres across Vietnam. This supports RMIT’s ongoing efforts to merge traditional heritage with modern technological advancements, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry.

Story: Ha Hoang

19 September 2024

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