CAAD professor’s collaborative research on 3D photogrammetry wins prize

By embarking on a journey into overlooked narratives and revealing concealed dimensions of historic structures, the collaborative research by Dr. Joseph Graham, Assistant Professor of Art and Design at American University of Sharjah (AUS), and Dr. Sevcan Ercan, Lecturer in Architecture at Istanbul Medeniyet University, has earned them the AMPS-INTELLECT Mediated City Prize.

The nonprofit academic research organization, Architecture Media Politics Society (AMPS), presents the AMPS-INTELLECT Mediated City Prize annually to scholars who demonstrate exceptional contributions to the fields of architecture, urbanism, media and technologies. 

Recognized for its originality, depth of analysis and interdisciplinary approach, their paper "The Dormant Buildings of Imbros: Dami, Photogrammetry and Drawing” examines the innovative use of 3D photogrammetry, a technique for creating three-dimensional models from overlapping photographs, as both a drawing process and a visualization tool. 

Drawing inspiration from Graham Harman's Object-Oriented Ontology, a realist philosophy emphasizing the primacy of objects as independent entities, the study focuses on revitalizing abandoned historic structures, specifically  the "dami" farmhouses found on the North Aegean island of Gökçeada, formerly known as Imbros.

By employing 3D photogrammetric data, the researchers have uncovered hidden dimensions of these dilapidated farmhouses, offering insights into the structures’ past, present and potential futures. The research not only contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage on Imbros, but also fosters a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between architecture, landscape and memory.

The AUS College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) is a leader in design education in the region, ranking number one in the UAE and among the top 200 universities globally for the subject areas of architecture and the built environment, and art and design (QS World University Rankings, 2023) With a dedication to cross-cultural partnerships, CAAD drives knowledge advancement and offers innovative solutions to challenges in architecture, urbanism and beyond. Find out more at www.aus.edu/CAAD.