IN-PERSON London. Section B

Abstract

Conserving cultural heritage is crucial for maintaining a sense of continuity and identity in cities, as heritage represents the collective history. As cities grow and change, heritage conservation enhances livability by providing a sense of rootedness and authenticity, giving residents a connection to their city’s unique past while enriching the cultural landscape. Digital technologies have opened new avenues for heritage conservation, allowing the reconstruction of damaged structures. CAD-CAM tools and software, image-based and range-based scanning methods offer precise documentation and virtual reconstruction of historic buildings. This study examines the digital reconstruction of the Anaia/Kadıkalesi Church, a Byzantine structure with significant religious, commercial, and architectural importance that collapsed after earthquakes in the eleventh century. The church’s history reflects cultural diversity, with subsequent modifications made as the land changed hands between different nations. This layering of cultural influences enriches the site’s narrative, illustrating how cities are living entities shaped by various cultures. Using Rhinoceros 3D and Adobe Photoshop, the missing architectural components are digitally reconstructed to visualize the church’s original form while acknowledging the changes it underwent over time. This digital reconstruction not only preserves the church’s historical and cultural significance but also underscores the impact of cultural diversity on the structure. The virtual reconstruction of the Anaia/Kadıkalesi Church shows how technology can conserve heritage while cities evolve, balancing development with the need for cultural continuity. This commitment ultimately enhances the livability and identity of urban environments, highlighting the importance of embracing diverse cultural stories within a city’s ongoing narrative.