Oct 28, 2015 | By Kira

Even as Dubai grows into one of the most futuristic and glamorous cityscapes in the world, with towering glass condos and skyscrapers and those famous palm-shaped islands, the United Arab Emirates are aware that the region is home to a wealth of history and heritage, and that it is a global responsibility to protect these cultural landmarks. In order to preserve and protect archeological sites across the Middle East, the UAE today announced a global partnership that will use 3D scanning and 3D printing technology to document and rebuild them in the event of potential future damage.

3D renderings of an archaeological piece in the Middle East

The partnership entails the Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation (who are building an ultra futuristic concept museum set to open in 2017 that is being billed as a ‘tribute to mankind’), UNESCO, and the UK-based Institute for Digital Archaeology(IDA), a joint venture between Harvard University and the Univeristy of Oxford. The global aspect of the partnership takes into account the valuable contributions of the Middle Eastern region’s history and culture to the progress of humanity.

As part of the project, the Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation will document heritage monuments by taking up to one million digital images using 3D imaging technology before the end of 2015. In the event that the actual monuments are damaged, the 3D scans can be used to create accurate 3D printed recreations, or as references for other museums, universities or labs. The partnership is part of a strategic vision on the part of the Foundation that seeks to build long-term cooperation with academic and scientific institutions and research centers around the world.

HE Mohammed Al Gergawi , Vice Chairman of Dubai Museum Of The Future Foundation and Roger Michael , Executive Director Of The Institute Of the Digital Archaeology

"It is important to preserve heritage sites as they serve as a source of inspiration for innovators and pioneers to build the future. What we are doing today is part of our efforts to give back to the history of our region and build on the achievements of our rich past," said Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation. He went on to describe heritage landmarks as crucial pieces in the great legacy of human achievements. Indeed, from the Great Pyramids to the Rosetta Stone, much of our understanding of mankind stems from ancient treasures, though they are constantly at risk of either being damaged by the passing of time, or destroyed or defaced in times of political turmoil.

Dr. Roger Michel, Executive Director of the Institute for Digital Archaeology, said that thanks to funding from the Museum of the Future Foundation, they will be able to redouble efforts to restore the landscape of the Middle East. “These symbols - the architecture and objects of the ancient world - speak powerfully to what unites the East and the West. The UAE is a great friend of this important work."

Irinia Bokova the Director-General of UNESCO

"Extremists want to impose a different vision on the world. They want to tell us that there is no memory, that there is no culture, that there is no heritage,” added Irinia Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. “We join hands with Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation to participate in the effort to oppose the extremists' vision of the future and to help convey the history to future generations."

This isn’t the Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation’s first foray into 3D printing technology. As we reported in March, the futuristic high-concept building is set to be built using additive manufacturing construction techniques.

 

 

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