 |
 |
| Plan of Braga |
|
| [zoom +] |
|
 |
Plan of the Carvalheiras House
First Phase |
|
| [zoom +] |
|
 |
Model of the Carvalheiras House
First Phase |
|
| [zoom +] |
|
|
|
Information about the Project
The systematic archeological excavations carried out in Braga since 1976 have revealed the early Roman city of Bracara Augusta, founded by Emperor Augusto, probably in the year 16 BC. Studies based on the ruins and the artefacts that have been discovered, have gradually revealed a large city, perfectly divided into blocks delineated by streets, producing a geometrical rectangular pattern. At the same time, evidence about spaces, equipment, public buildings and living areas, was gathered.
Knowledge of Roman urbanization and architecture in Braga as well as new technology in the computer graphics field, have led to the establishment of a project that allows wider visibility of the results of the archeological investigations.
With this aim in mind, the Archeology Unit at the University of Minho, created a multimedia laboratory in 1998 that would be responsible for the first virtual model of the city of Bracara Augusta, highlighting the II and IV centuries. At the same time, the laboratory produced virtual models of equipment and buildings, as was done with the Roman thermal baths of Alto da Cividade and the Roman house of Carvalheiras, the models of which include functional reconstructions of spaces and furniture. This has made it possible to enter the thermal baths and visit the house of a citizen from Bracara Augusta in the II century.
The models are exhibited in a network of multimedia booths throughout the city, the design of which is attributable to the Centre of Computer Graphics in Coimbra.
This project has been received with enthusiasm from the Bracara Augusta Foundation and the Town Hall of Braga, both of which have made the necessary funding available.
|
|
|
