Virtual Reconstruction of Molodi Manor near Moscow: Research Sources, Methods and Technologies

Abstract

This article describes virtual reconstruction of Molodi Manor near Moscow which has the status of a monument of federal significance. As research methods, the author uses 3D modeling technologies and restores the virtual appearance of the main building, the outbuilding of the barn and the surrounding park complex of the first half of the 19th century. The author uses such modern software as Autodesk 3ds Max, AutoCAD, CorelDRAW, AdobePhotoshop and some others. In addition to a detailed description of the process and modeling methods, the work also studies the history of the manor itself. The article is divided into three parts each reflecting separate stages of the research. The first one speaks about the history of Molodi Manor. The second part gives a brief description of the sources used to create a three-dimensional model of the manor complex understudy. Some particularly important graphic sources, in particular photographs, maps and drawings, are included in the article for illustrative purposes. The basis of the reconstruction is dimensional plans, sections and other drawings provided by the Central State Archive of Moscow Oblast. The third part deals with the practical stage of the research. It reveals methods and technologies for constructing the 3D model, tells the reader about the difficulties that the author inevitably faced in the process of virtual reconstruction. The research is carried out within the project of the Historical Information Science Department of Moscow State University aimed at reconstructing virtual appearance of Moscow Oblast manors.