Augmenting Jordanian Heritage

Lead Research Organisation: University of Bradford
Department Name: Faculty of Life Sciences

Abstract

This project is an enhancement to the AHRC 'Fragmented Heritage' project, which aims to revolutionize landscape, site, and artefact analyses by bringing new transformative digital recording methods and computed analysis to fields that are traditionally labour intensive. The scale of the resultant technology and capability will generate a paradigm shift in the way that spatial and functional data are studied in the heritage sciences. Fragmented Heritage has developed a means for refitting knapped (flaked) stone tools. In this extension of that research, we aim to apply the method to reconstruct broken and fragmented heritage objects and monuments that have sustained damage as a result of human and natural agencies. This cutting edge research will provide museums and heritage sites the opportunity: 1) to record their important heritage materials in 3D; 2) to refit fragmented heritage objects digitally, which can then be displayed in 360 degrees; 3) to decide whether to repair the fragmented object physically using the digital model as a guide. This research allows us to contribute much more directly to public outreach in places where disasters such as war and earthquakes have impacted on the great heritage that exists or once existed.

Until now no one has been able to produce a methodology to refit broken three dimensional objects back together digitally. Our methodology is at the very forefront of heritage and engineering sciences. By demonstrating this research at the Jordan Museum, we expect the results will greatly impact on the heritage fields (e.g., archaeology, history, conservation), and for museums and organisations specialized in the presentation and distribution of heritage understanding.
This project extension serves to bring direct capacity and capability to the heritage infrastructure in Jordan and to afford the same to other ODA countries as a result of interactions during project dissemination.

The aim is to transform the existing virtual presence of The Jordan Museum. We will digitally reconstruct a sample of fragmented heritage objects to demonstrate the potential application of the 3D refit methodology for objects, statuary, and monuments damaged as a result of climate change, warfare, earthquakes and other harmful events. It builds on the existing Fragmented Heritage project by translating and applying research conducted as part of that program of research in the area of digital refitting and presentation.

Planned Impact

The project will:
1) support international research collaborations with Jordan and will help to reduce poverty by promoting the development of a key resource that can be used for conserving and managing cultural heritage objects and in developing tourism;
2) build cultural capacity by transferring 3D digital documentation knowledge and skills directly relevant to core staff within the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities;
3) enhance the visitor experience at the National Museum and related sites;
4) create opportunities for people to virtually handle and manipulate objects providing a very personal level of tangible interaction with the past through use of 3D visualisations and 3D printed models;
5) produce the above 3D material that will encourage tourism though enticement and by providing augmentation to heritage visits;
6) will work alongside other measures as part of efforts to encourage more foreign tourists to visit the Kingdom and promote the country as a safe destination, according to Tourism Minister Al Fayez;
7) seek to grow domestic and international visitor numbers, improve country access, and expand quality and diversity of authentic visitor experiences;
8) improve the presentation, management and interpretation of cultural resources and key heritage sites; Develop a professional workforce; Raise industry competitiveness and business performance; and
9) encourage further political appreciation of heritage leading to the increased protection of heritage sites, monuments, and museum objects.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description The project has developing and delivered a training programme for 3D scanning of objects and a web-based structure for displaying this content.
We have built capacity at the Jordan National Museum for scanning, 3D printing and virtual reality exhibition and augmented visitor experiences with touch screen displays.
Exploitation Route We have been encouraged by the fact that this project will be of lasting benefit to the Jordan Museum.
Sectors Creative Economy

Leisure Activities

including Sports

Recreation and Tourism

Culture

Heritage

Museums and Collections

URL https://www.facebook.com/TheJordanMuseum/
 
Description As a GCRF funded project - the focus has been both on defining training needs and working towards impact seen through public engagement and in support of the profile of cultural heritage within Jordan and internationally. The knowledge from this project has enabled further funding projects to be developed with partners in Jordan and the wider region.
First Year Of Impact 2016
Sector Communities and Social Services/Policy,Creative Economy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Environment,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Government, Democracy and Justice,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections,Security and Diplomacy
Impact Types Cultural

Societal

Economic

Policy & public services

 
Description Input by Dr Evans, Fragmented Heritage and related BReaTHe Team to policy document and linked conference on Heritage for Sustainable Development
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact Augmenting Jordanian Heritage and linked BReaTHe project highlighted in PRAXIS Report on Heritage for Global Challenges Research
URL https://changingthestory.leeds.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/110/2021/02/Heritage-for-Global-Challe...
 
Description Input to Theme Advisory Group
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description Malaysian consultation on Heritage Refurbishment Assessment Scheme (HeRAS)
Geographic Reach Asia 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description Participation of team members in AHRC Newton Khalidi workshop at the Jordan Museum
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Building Resilience Wellbeing and Cohesion in Displaced Societies Using Digital Heritage
Amount £84,297 (GBP)
Funding ID AH/S005951/1 
Organisation Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2019 
End 01/2022
 
Description GCRF Interdisciplinary Research Hub to Address Intractable Challenges Faced by Developing Countries [partnership development fund]
Amount £8,000 (GBP)
Organisation Research Councils UK (RCUK) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2018 
End 03/2018
 
Description Mainstreaming Global Mental Health: A Praxis Nexus Approach
Amount £122,481 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/T023813/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2020 
End 05/2021
 
Description Department of Antiquities, Jordan 
Organisation Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Department Department of Antiquities
Country Jordan 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution The project team through this partnership will be training and advising DOA staff in the use of 3d object documentation techniques and digital conservation/use of heritage assets
Collaborator Contribution support and access within the heritage sector of Jordan
Impact none to date
Start Year 2017
 
Description Linkage to Council for British Research in the Levant [via Dr Carole Palmer - Director, British Institute in Amman] 
Organisation Council for British Research in the Levant (CBRL)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution liaison with Dr Palmer over research at the Jordan Museum and as part of future plans re proposed GCRF Fragile Heritage Hub
Collaborator Contribution Support with scanner equipment coming into Jordan and liaison with the Jordan Museum
Impact input to forward plans with full bid - proposed GCRF Fragile Heritage Hub
Start Year 2017
 
Description Mercy Corps 
Organisation Mercy Corps
Country United States 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Our team have brought the aims and workshop structure of the project to help build on the ISHRAK psycho-social support programme within the Azraq camp. This includes engaging with refugees and providing virtual reality experiences and discussions around heritage and has built upon the exisiting activity base within the MC programme structure. We have also provided content and activities for an MC stakeholder event by showcasing our work as part of the UKaid and DFID stands at the Royal Highland show. At the event we setup a virtual realitly experiece for the public and stakeholders to see how public funding contributes towards positive experiences in refugee communities.
Collaborator Contribution The partner has provided substantial in-kind contributions in facilitating activities. There are currently two areas in which this is clear 1) In Jordan the Mercy Corps Jordan office have facilitated access to the Azraq Refugee camp by dealing with permit, approval, ethical considerations. Transportation, equipment logistics, staffing and support during workshops, and continued evaluation of activities. 2) Through the UK office, arranging and facilitating the showcasing of our project work at the prestigious Royal Highland Show in June 2019.
Impact Fill in later
Start Year 2019
 
Description 3D scanning workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The project ran a workshop to train heritage professionals from the region in the practical application of 3D scanning. Delegates were invited from Syria, Iraq, Palestine and selected from the Department of Antiquities and The Jordan Museum, in Jordan. 20 delegates attended the workshop that was convened under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El-Hassan. Delegates were trained in the use of terrestrial laser scanning, structured light scanning, handheld object scanning, and photogrammetry. They each received a certificate of competence from the director of the Department of Antiquities and the Director of The Jordan Museum at the end of the workshop.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description BReaTHe project Twitter (https://twitter.com/breatheheritage) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Use of twitter for public engagement with our research. The project has reteweeted relevant tweets from UNHCR MercyCorps academics and the third sector. We have also tweeted about project activities at workshops, events and while on fieldwork in the refugee camps: impression counts
118 June 2019
1600 July 2019
523 August 2019
1500 September 2019 (Were at Talking Peace festival September 19th)
566 Oct 2019
427 Nov 2019
643 Dec 2019 (Karina Croucher spoke about the project at TAG 19th Dec 2019)
81 Jan 2020
82 Feb 2020
76 Mar 2020
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
URL https://twitter.com/breatheheritage
 
Description Bradford Science Festival (18-21 July 2019) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The BReaTHe project presented a research showcase to highlight activities of the university of Bradford engaging in the use of science and technology for the benefit of displaced people. The team took questions and had good discussions with members of the public about the research activities. Individuals reported a change in perception of how universities can contribute to social problems and how a subject like archaeology has benefits beyond those that are usually more obvious.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Briefing to Mercy Mission (31 Jan 23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Supporters
Results and Impact Scoping visit with charitable organisation Mercy Mission
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Digital Showcase Event - Launch of HPC and Visualisation Suite 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Digital Showcase Event hosted at University of Bradford May 2019 to launch the new Visualisation Suite. Dignatories included the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Bradford's Mayor and Key Representatives from Major Stakeholders/ Collaborators
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Discover Magazine - Article 'New Ways of Seeing' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Focus piece on Fragmented Heritage project profiled in 'Discover' AHRC Archaeology Magazine
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Erasmus+ international staff week (Jordan) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Dr Evans presented a 20 minute talk on the subject of case studies of research in Jordan. The talk outlined the activities over the last decade with a large focus on recent activity with respect to the Augmenting Jordanian Heritage project and the BReaTHe project. The context was to illustrate the utility and shared value of engaging students with research and how this type of activity can create project growth and continuation beyond funding periods. It was highlighted that there is interest in growing collaborative links with other institutions and students with helping these projects maximise reach and impact.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description First Visit of Anita Rani Prior to Installation as Chancellor (9 Jan 23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Supporters
Results and Impact Talk/ Showcase on the occasion of the first visit of new Chancellor Anita Rani.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.bradford.ac.uk/news/archive/2023/anita-rani-vows-to-inspire-students-during-first-visit-...
 
Description Fragile Heritage Network 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Fragile Heritage Network setup as a legacy with linkage to the drafting of the GCRF Fragile Heritage Hub bid (participants from 25 countries) and to showcase GCRF-related activities derived from Fragmented Heritage and related projects.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description GCRF Partnership Development Meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact 2 day workshop event, involving international partners (attending Bradford in person) and via Skype/ webinar
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Guest lecture at University of Bradford 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact public guest lecture exploring Curious Travellers, Fossil Finder, PcnH and other activities related to Fragmented Heritage
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Highland Show BBC radio interview (19/6/2019) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Was interviewed on BBC radio Scotland on the subject of using heritage and virtual reality in refugee camps. This was to highlight the upcoming highland show and activities that were available at the show, which included a showcase of the BReaTHe project work and the activities of Mercy Corps as a global organisation working in the international aid community.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Highland Show UKGov-Mercy Corps (20 Jun 2019 - 23 Jun 2019) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The BReaTHe project presented a showcase of activities that were ongoing within the Azraq refugee camp in Jordan in collaboration with Mercy Corps. This showcase took place as part of the UK governments activities as an illustration of how UKAid money is utilised globally. The event footfall was above 500. A direct experience of virtual reality was provided to over 100 individuals during the three day event. This included David Mundell, WS (at the time MP and Secretary of State for Scotland) and Lord Ian Duncan (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) each of which engaged in positive discussions around the applications of our research findings and activities. The general public reported changed perceptions of the activities of university academics and the ways in which the government spends funds on foreign aid.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Invited keynote presentation and Session Chair at Digidoc Conference (Historic Environment Scotland Engine Shed, Stirling) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Major 3 day interdisciplinary workshop intent on exploring digital innovations across heritage sector, media, film and education
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description MaDIH workshop (4th July 2019) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Delivering a workshop on 3d scanning technologies
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Museum visitor interaction 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact While carrying out 3d documentation work our team were visibly placed within the public gallery of the museum to encourage discussion and interaction with visitors to the museum. Several visitors engaged with our team while scanning objects and were able to learn about the process and the project.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Partnership meeting between Jordan Museum, Antiquities Department and Bradford team 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Formal meeting December 2016 to discuss the project remit and involvement/ interests of all parties
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Queen's Anniversary Prize - Prizewinners Dinner (London Guildhall) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Supporters
Results and Impact Prize-winners dinner at London Guildhall for Queen's Anniversary Prize
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.queensanniversaryprizes.org.uk/winners/building-the-future-by-rebuilding-the-past/
 
Description Queens's Anniversary Prize Civic Event 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Supporters
Results and Impact Civic Event hosted at City Hall, Bradford. Networking during showcase and over formal dinner
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Talk and Stall at UK University Archaeology Day (British Museum) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Open event held at the British Museum
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description UDSM talk (13 May 22) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Guest lecture at University of Dar es Salaam
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description UNHCR Jordan (18th Nov 2019) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The activity involved feeding back project activities and early outcomes to UNHCR Jordan as part of engaging with wider discussions of how this work could feed into psychosocial programming. The project has been well received in this setting and an outcome for this has been plans for future activities and introduction to special interest groups within the UNHCR organisation
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description University of Bradford Research Day 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact presentation on GCRF Fragile Heritage Hub bid
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Visit of Bradford Museums & Galleries - Capabilities for Collaboration (27 Feb 23) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Showcase visit with exploration of potential for collaboration
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description attendance at GCRF Networking event 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact as successful Outline GCRF bid team invitee at this networking event
https://www.ukri.org/files/legacy/gcrf-calls/successful-outlines-for-web-gcrf-hubs-pdf/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018