Digital memory of a tragedy: A collective remembrance project blending technology and humanity.
#realitycapture #blender #vrmodel #3dmodel
On April 18, 2015, one of the most dramatic maritime tragedies in contemporary history unfolded: the sinking of a boat in the Mediterranean, claiming the lives of over 1,200 migrants. This event stands not only as a human disaster but also as a symbol of the migration crises of our time.
The University of Milan entrusted us with the task of documenting and preserving the memory of this shipwreck through a unique project: the detailed 3D scanning of the vessel. This initiative, combining advanced technology with human sensitivity, aims to create an impactful interactive and visual testimony, bridging memory, education, and social reflection.
The project focused on two primary objectives:
To achieve these goals, a combination of high- and low-resolution models was developed, designed for use in educational, exhibition, and commemorative contexts.
The project presented complex technical and operational challenges that required innovative solutions:
A significant challenge encountered during the project was the presence of water in the bilge floor, caused by the severe damage sustained by the boat. This condition made it impossible to directly scan the lowest parts of the wreck, compromising the completeness of the 3D model.
Solution Adopted
To address this issue, an in-depth analysis of all possible solutions was conducted, aiming for an effective yet non-invasive approach. Among the options considered, such as drilling holes in the hull to facilitate drainage, the team chose a method that ensured the utmost respect for the integrity of the wreck.
The final solution involved using a hydraulic pump provided by the fire brigade, which allowed the water in the bilge to be temporarily removed. This operation was carried out with great care to prevent further damage to the structure and preserve the wreck’s authenticity.
Once the water was drained, the bilge floor became accessible, enabling accurate scanning with the planned surveying tools.
Results
Thanks to this solution, the 3D model was completed, including areas initially deemed inaccessible. The combination of meticulous planning and technical intervention allowed the team to document every part of the wreck with precision while respecting the integrity of the artifact under study.
The outcome of this project was extraordinary, with a profound emotional and visual impact:
To amplify the emotional impact, a VR experience was designed, allowing users to explore the wreck firsthand. Walking among the silhouettes, visitors can immerse themselves in the context of the tragedy, perceiving the harrowing atmosphere of the spaces and the sorrow of that story.
What makes this project truly special is the fusion of advanced technologies with a strong humanitarian and social component. In a landscape where many projects are limited to technical documentation alone, our proposal aimed to spark a global reflection on the migration crisis, creating an educational and commemorative tool that goes far beyond simply recording the wreckage.
With this work, we have shown how technology can be used to preserve historical memory and promote deep reflection, highlighting the human dimension behind the numbers and statistics of global tragedies.
