Digitization of Architectural History Archives
An Annotated Bibliography by: Ramon Alvarez, Jr.
The following annotated bibliography includes a list of journal articles examining the development and evolution of digitized architectural history archives.
Presents a chronological history regarding the influence of the digital revolution on architectural archives. Includes an overview of notable architectural digitization initiatives, such as The Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA), the collaborative creation of the Guide to the Description of Architectural Drawings, a discussion of large scale digitization projects, and initial efforts to create digital archival training. Primary focus given to critical issues regarding the preservation and archiving of born digital architectural records. Concludes by introducing the ERA- the Electronic Records Archive, as a future repository for born digital architectural data invaluable to cultural heritage records.
Describes efforts to reconstruct 3D digital models of significant architectural buildings located in Turin, Italy that have been demolished, or in poor physical condition. Comprehensive coverage of three case studies present key considerations while creating 3D digital model reconstructions of architectural works. Details the utilization of 3D digital modeling software to recreate historically authentic, accessible architectural representations of structures in their original form based on pre-existing archival resources. Asserts the scientific correctness of 3D modeling documentation, and the feasible contribution it can provide toward the preservation, restoration, or recovery of significant architectural structures. Includes color illustrative examples from each case study.
Proposes revising the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) standards for digital photography, with the goal of contributing new criteria for the creation of universal digital image capture standards applied to architectural drawings, photographs, and support document. Examines fundamental considerations for establishing image capture specifications by referencing the Federal Agencies Digitization Initiative – Still Image Working Group (FADGI) Guidelines for Digitizing Cultural Heritage Materials: Creation of Raster Image Master Files. Presents a step-by-step analysis of image capture specifications using test images from various digital and analog camera equipment with comparative results. Concludes with a list of elemental specifications to be considered in establishing new HABS photographic standards.
Presents guidelines to records and information management (RIM) professionals for long-term preservation of architectural drawings, and the creation of electronic document systems (EDMS) for user access. A list of specific identifiers within architectural drawings are used to contrast how RIM professionals apply the identifiers to all-paper, or computer-assisted design (CAD) archival records systems. Concise guidelines toward best practice techniques are discussed, as well as the need to maintain the stability of EDMS initiatives through the course of advances in archival computer software technology.
Describes the development and evolution of the Greene & Greene Virtual Archives, and the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings Project (PAB). Provides insight into the common considerations architectural archives face while creating web-based, end user accessible collections. Sustained and adequate funding, Encoded Archival Description (EAD) standards, and overcoming changes in archival software are comparatively discussed. Provides a focused perspective on the importance of collaboration between cultural heritage institutions towards establishing effective methods and standards for maintaining high quality, publicly accessible architectural history archives.
Documents the comparative results from a study examining end-user survey responses to architectural history walking tours presented using Apple iPod Touch electronic devices. Participants in the study accessed digitized architectural drawings, historical documents, film clips, and recorded audio using the iPod Touch. Includes color illustrations of this content. This study focuses on identifying whether end-users prefer utilizing digitized architectural history tours presented in a linear (beginning, middle, end) electronic presentation format, or if end-users prefer a fragmented (on-demand) presentation format. The origins of travel guidebooks, and their evolution into digital content provide the context of the study. Research methods used for the study are fully described. Extensive notes are provided for further exploration into the identifying innovative ways to give end users access to digitized architectural history archives.
Documents a scientific approach for studying the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to the field of cultural heritage documentation. Primarily focuses on the creation of the 3 dimensional (3D) computer generated models of physical structures for use in cultural heritage archives. A comprehensive table listing commercial and open source tools to create BIM documentation is provided. BIM software platforms are critically evaluated for appropriate use in generating various types of 3D models relevant to architectural history archives. Includes color illustrations of BIM 3D models generated using documented software platforms.
Provides a focused perspective on the how digital technology could help define distinct methods of capturing photographic imagery within a specific context. Identifies nine approaches architectural photographers employ capturing photographic imagery forming digital archives. Describes the collaborative innovations of modern architect Richard Neutra and architectural photographer Julius Shulman, including an approach they created to capture the “lifestyle” implications of the architecture. Comparative photographic illustrations are presented throughout the article. Addresses the need for new approaches toward digital image documentation with the goal of advancing evidence-based architectural design as a foundation for cultural heritage and architectural history archives.
Discusses multiple challenges facing the preservation of digital and analog architectural history archives. Identifies concerns regarding the temporal instability of digital imaging software, the strategic manipulation of digital images misrepresenting the realistic portrayal of architecture, and a proposal to create software and hardware “libraries” to preserve obsolete technology required to access digital records that cannot be migrated into new software. Documents the efforts of various cultural heritage preservation organizations developing strategies to overcome these challenges, with innovative methods to formulate standards ensuring preservation. Includes numerous graphic illustrations throughout the article.
Discusses the consequential relationship of the image to architectural history, and the value of this relationship to cultural heritage archives. Presents a brief history regarding the first use of rendered illustrations to the use of photography to capture architectural details. Describes technological developments beyond photography that prospectively enhance end-user access to high quality digital representations available in architectural history archives. Provides insights into how photographs and digital images of architecture have the power to control our perceptions of architecture, with the potential to supplant the architectural reality. This essay is an introduction to four papers that follow that address specific questions regarding the transition of architectural archives from paper based resources to digitized resources available in electronic formats.
