Making of Hampi—An Attempt to Bridge Culture and Technology

Abstract

Indian temple architecture gives us a rare insight into design, construction, proportion and scale. In Dravidian temples, especially Vijayanagara architecture, in particular, Hampi architecture is an impeccable synergy between structural innovation and architectural expression. The Vittala temple complex at Hampi, Karnataka, India has been taken for study, documentation, analysis of design elements and 3D virtual modeling /reconstruction of the complete temple complex. The project is an insight of graphical, pictorial, and digital reconstruction using AutoCAD, Google SketchUp, and Kinect software. The existing temple complex was extensively studied, analyzed, and documented. The temple complex was measured drawn and digitized by plotting its edges and vertices using AutoCAD. The graphic 2D elements developed using AutoCAD software were extended into 3D objects using Google sketch-up. The 3D model was built up part by part using polygonal faces and loops with outlines of prominent contours as documented. The scale and proportion of the depth of the plinth, column, roof, parapet and complex as a whole is studied. The scale and proportion of the depth of the plinth, column, roof, parapet, and complex as a whole is studied. The walk through with visual reconstruction created using Google SketchUp helps us in understanding spatial organization. The detailed model is reconstructed in Kinect using the base as sketchup model. The structure info is taken from the sketchup model and the color/texture info is taken from the image-based Kinect model which enriches the model in all aspects. 3D virtual modeling / visual reconstruction helps us to visualize the structure in its original form giving a holistic picture of the Vijayanagara Empire in all its former glory. The above mentioned will be supported by AutoCAD drawings, literature study materials, pictures/photographs, views, 3D virtual modeling, animation, rendering, and walk-throughs. The project is interpreted graphically using AutoCAD drawings, pictorially, and digitally using Google SketchUp model and Kinect.