The object our group selected is a piece of a library mosaic. It is a remaining brick from the former structure of Carleton’s Gould Library, preserved as a mosaic after the building was renovated. It features an intricate pattern of small, colorful tiles. Most information about this object is unknown.
Here’s our Omeka item. It was a completely new experience for me to use Scaniverse to model an object, and it was very different from simply viewing one in an exhibition. In the exhibition, I could only observe the object from outside the glass display case, which limited the details I could see. However, the process of creating a model requires a more immersive interaction, compelling us to consider the object from multiple angles. The process of photogrammetry encourages close looking and heightened attention to detail. To create an accurate model, one must carefully document the object through multiple photographs, ensuring that all aspects are captured with precision. For example, using Scaniverse, we must move around the object and scan it from different perspectives to ensure that most of its details are well recorded. Moreover, we take pictures of the object from different heights and angles for later model processing. This shift from casual observation to detailed analysis fosters a deeper appreciation of the object and its historical significance.
Engaging with the object in this way makes me more curious about this piece of mosaic. The process raises questions about its past, such as who made it, how it was used, and why it was preserved. It also deepens my interest in the history of Gould Library. As active modelers, we take on the role of interpreters, tasked with making the object accessible and meaningful to others. Instead of merely absorbing information and simply viewing the object, we aim to present more details and context to the audience and observers through the model and photographs.
