Reviving ancient history with technology.

Known as “the Cambridge of the East,” Zhejiang University (ZJU) is one of China’s oldest and most respected institutions for higher education. While ZJU offers education across 39 diverse fields — from philosophy to physics, agriculture to medicine — the university is best known for its pursuit of innovation through interdisciplinary research that addresses the pressing challenges of today and the future.

Established in 2019, the School of Art and Archaeology teaches students to explore art, design, and culture throughout China’s history using a variety of approaches including computer-based designs, ancient craftsmanship, and others. Dr. Xiaojiao Chen, Zhejiang University Hundred Talents Program Researcher, Doctoral Adviser, leads a digital team that explores the intersection between physical and digital worlds. Much of her research involves human-computer interactions and user experience design. But she also leads students to develop new ways of visualizing and digitizing traditional Chinese artworks.

One example of the school’s earlier 3D work can be seen in its Yungang Grottoes preservation project. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the Yungang Grottoes were created during the fifth and sixth centuries when artisans filled the mountain caves with thousands of Buddha statues. With more than 51,000 sculptures spread across 254 grottoes, including 45 major grottoes, it is one of the most famous ancient Buddhist sculptural sites in China.

The sandstone caves have been exposed to heavy weathering over the centuries, and despite restoration efforts from as early as the 11th century, sculptures are continually lost to time. The School of Art and Archaeology took on the challenge of creating a 3D printed replicate of Cave 12, which includes a 15-meter Buddha statue and many other sculptures located high on its walls. The team has so far created digital copies of more than 20 Buddha statues.

“We believe that digital preservation is critical to continuing China’s rich cultural heritage,” says Xiaosong Wang, Vice Dean, Professor and Doctoral Director, School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University. “One of the biggest questions for us at the School of Art and Archeology is how we can maintain the current condition of age-old artifacts and let future generations appreciate and reflect upon past civilizations. I think our answer lies in digitalization.”

Investment in digital literacy

ZJU has promoted digital literacy for many years, even allowing students to apply for free Adobe Creative Cloud licenses available through the university’s enterprise license agreement. As 3D technologies become more important in the preservation of historical objects, the school decided to integrate Adobe Substance 3D Collection into its programs to teach students how to create digital twins of smaller, more detailed artifacts faster.

"We believe that technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have the potential to dramatically reshape our approach to learning about artifacts and history," says Dr. Chen. "Adobe Substance 3D is easy to use, reducing the learning curve for students and improving efficiency. With the help of Substance, we can further our research and development in areas like digital artifacts and cultural innovation."

Creating digital twins quickly and accurately

Many students in the School of Art and Archeology already work regularly with creative apps such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Ph.D. candidate student Jingchao Wang says, “Through Adobe Creative Cloud, we get frequent updates with the latest features. And the ability to work on projects across devices using the same Creative Cloud account is extremely helpful.”

Substance 3D Collection apps maintain the same intuitive design interface as other Creative Cloud apps, making them easier for students to learn. The process of digital twinning starts with a 3D scan of the object, which can be captured on a mobile phone. Students then take the 3D scan and look at the shape, texture, and materials separately. Analyzing artworks piece by piece allows students to focus on different aspects of how the artifact was made, leading to a more accurate digital representation.

Students can use Substance 3D Modeler to adjust the 3D shape using natural tools that make the process feel like sculpting clay. Substance 3D Sampler can turn any photographs of artifacts into realistic materials, while Substance 3D Designer allows students to create original material patterns using node-based editing. Students can then layer textures and materials onto the digital artifact using Substance 3D Painter.

“While Substance 3D offers a wide range of capabilities, one of the most important features for us is the library of pre-made materials and textures available through Substance 3D Assets,” says Dr. Chen. “It allows us to streamline the digital twinning process and rapidly achieve our desired effects.”

Working with Substance 3D helps students develop 3D design skills, which will become more in demand as technologies such as VR and AR become more commonplace in museums. 3D models can be displayed in virtual museums or provided to people who want to 3D print their own versions.

“The act of constructing 3D models is also a very dynamic learning experience for students,” says Wang. “To make an accurate model, students need to virtually deconstruct an object, inspect every detail, and think about how it was made. This helps develop a better understanding of the artifact and its historical or cultural significance.”

Bringing heritage into the future

Digital is the future for museums and learning. But in addition to innovating the future, digital has an opportunity to carry on the past. By combining Adobe Creative Cloud and Substance 3D with the unique knowledge and skillsets cultivated at the School of Art and Archaeology, ZJU gives students the tools they need to become leaders in China’s cultural heritage.

“Our aim is to unlock students’ creative potential in the digital realm,” says Dr. Chen. “By teaching students to work with Adobe, a leader in creative digital solutions, we create an environment where students can more fully contribute to preserving Chinese cultural heritage.”

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