Southampton medieval buildings brought to life through scans

Visitors and residents of Southampton can now be digitally immersed in some of the city’s most iconic and historical buildings thanks to augmented reality.

Researchers and students at the University of Southampton spearheaded the project.

3D laser scanning was used to explore the structures via smart phones and using detailed computer models known as ‘digital twins’.

The reproductions created at the university also include the city’s underground vaults which are usually inaccessible.

Scan data image of Weigh House in Southampton (Image: University of Southampton) Dr Kristian Strutt, of the Archaeology department at the university, said: “Using the technology to record elements of the medieval buildings of the historic town is great in itself.

“But the outreach aspects, in terms of engaging with members of the public, making material accessible, and the opportunity it has created for training our students, has been fantastic.” Students also worked with museum curators to scan around 200 historic objects.

This included a wax letter seal of Queen Elizabeth I and a 100 cm wide Auroch (giant cow) horn core found during construction of the Empress Dock in Southampton in the 1870s.

The project began in 2021 when Southampton City Council undertook renovation work on the Weigh House in French Street.

READ MORE: 'Wind is the answer' to cut CO2 emissions, say creators of revolutionary sail

Scanning was then extended to a further 14 structures and hundreds of objects.

Jo Bailey, monuments and memorials officer at the council, said: “This groundbreaking and innovative laser scanning project is really bringing the historic sites in the Old Town alive.

“The 3D images being made available online will make it possible for so many more people to see inside the vaults, and other buildings that are not easily accessible.

“They overcome the obstacles of steps and limited opening days and extend the audience to include people living or studying overseas.”

Many of the scanned artefacts are not regularly available to view in exhibitions.

The archaeologists spent over two years intricately mapping buildings, including city attractions such as the Bargate and God’s House Tower, but also lesser-known ones.

This included St Michael’s Prison Vault, which was converted into an air raid shelter in World War Two and The Undercroft, an ornate centuries old vault.

Visit https://sketchfab.com/Southampton_Cultural_Services to access the scans.