New Digital Archive Project 'Record-RING' Bridges Past and Future for Osaka-Kansai Expo

The Launch of 'Record-RING': A Digital Archive for Future Generations

The Osaka-Kansai Expo is set to become a landmark event in 2025, and with it, the remarkable architectural feature known as the Grand Roof Ring will take center stage. To ensure that this cultural and architectural treasure is preserved for future generations, a new initiative called the 'Record-RING' project has been launched by the Easthat & Azusa Design Joint Venture along with Azusa Research Institute. This project aims to digitally archive the Grand Roof Ring's value, allowing people across the globe to experience its significance.

Background and Purpose of the Project

After the conclusion of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, discussions and communications regarding the Grand Roof Ring have continued to thrive. It has left a profound impact on all those who experienced it. The 'Record-RING' project seeks to cherish those memories and emotions, ensuring that they are preserved authentically for the future. Unlike traditional records that often rely on two-dimensional drawings and photographs, this project aims to encapsulate the essence of the Grand Roof Ring—its ambiance and the play of light—by providing a digital space where anyone can access and appreciate its cultural value.

The Significance of 'Record-RING'

The project name 'Record-RING' carries deep meaning:

- Record: Throughout the 184 days of the expo, people from around the world came together, sharing this open space with the sky. This project will digitally engrave that experience, preserving and conveying it into the future.
- Player: The circular Grand Roof Ring is likened to a record player, allowing users to 'place the needle' by accessing it, thereby experiencing memories and adventures from that time in a digital format.

Implementation Strategies

Utilizing Cutting-Edge Technologies

A critical component of the 'Record-RING' project is the construction of an advanced digital archive using the latest technology, specifically 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS). Following the conclusion of the expo, aerial photography was utilized for 3D scanning of the Grand Roof Ring, combined with completion photographs and design intentions to create a detailed digital representation. This technology excels in realistically depicting intricate light reflections and the 'mood' of the space, which traditional 3D models struggled to convey.

Public Access through a Special Website

The comprehensive digital archive created will be made publicly available through a dedicated website, allowing users to engage in a virtual experience of flying around the Grand Roof Ring. Furthermore, the site will serve as an educational tool, showcasing the ring’s conception and design philosophy—making it not just a gallery, but a learning resource.

Future Outlook and Operational Goals

The 'Record-RING' project has been initiated from a perspective of public interest, focusing on the preservation of architectural culture. The ongoing development aims for a wide-reaching, free public release on the website. In a forward-thinking approach, the project hopes to collaborate with architectural professionals and companies who resonate with its mission, aiming to create a platform for recording and showcasing individual pavilions as well as supporting public institutions in the establishment of digital archives.

Conclusion

This project stands as a testament to the commitment to preserving architectural heritage in an innovative way. The 'Record-RING' not only serves to keep the memories alive but also invites the world to participate in the history and culture of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

For more information about the 'Record-RING' project, visit the official website at record-ring.jp or contact the project team at Azusa Research Institute.