Overview
3D digital media projects present novel opportunities for teaching and learning in the arts and humanities; however, faculty and students in these fields are often unfamiliar with requisite tools and processes. For this reason, the Imaging Center provides humanities-specific consultation, training, and project planning related to the use of 3D media.
The Imaging Center provides this assistance for pedagogical or research projects campus-wide, and is happy to assist both faculty members and students.
For a consultation about any project related to 3D media, no matter how abstract or concrete your idea may be, contact the Imaging Center at ic-u@smith.edu.
What is 3D media used for?
Relative to photography, 3D media can provide more context about the physical properties of an object or space. 3D visualizations also allow interaction with objects and spaces to which physical access may be prohibitive. 3D objects can simply be viewed, or they can be combined into complex interactive virtual environments. Digitized objects do not replace the things they depict, but rather augment their study.
Examples of projects in which faculty and students have collaborated with the Imaging Center to work with 3D digital media at Smith include:
- A faculty member in the German Department collaborated with the Imaging Center to have his class build an interactive virtual art gallery.
- Students in a number of classes have made 3D scans of cultural objects from Smith collections.
- Geosciences faculty members have worked with the Imaging Center to create 3D scans of specimens and a virtual reality tour.
- An architecture class visualized their designs using augmented reality.
- A faculty member in the Classics Department organized a symposium in which students used 3D-printed replicas of ancient drinking vessels.
- A senior student created a video game about the relationship between art and astronomy.
- Faculty members from several departments have brought their students to the Imaging Center for guided tours of world historical sites.
The Imaging Center is always happy to help you think through a new idea related to 3D media. Please contact us at ic-u@smith.edu.