Comprehensive educational framework on the application of 3D technologies for the restoration of cultural heritage objects

Over the past decade, the use of 3D scanning, virtual reconstruction and digital manufacturing in the preservation of cultural heritage (CH) has gained significant attention, among other for the restorative intervention of loss compensation. These techniques have been explored both in conservation-restoration (CR) practices and research facilities. However, despite this progress, there is a notable absence of an educational framework specifically designed for virtual restoration methods aimed at physical restoration. As a result, CR practitioners motivated to execute a virtual restoration are either challenged to find their way in a wealth of information or have to rely on 3D experts for guidance and digital tasks. This article discusses this gap by detailing the construction and validation of an educational framework for loss compensation on CH objects. Drawing upon an extensive review of past case studies, an "Overview of possibilities on the application of 3D technologies for restoration of CH objects" (shortened to Overview OP) is compiled of involved reasons, processes, methods and materials to consider within a virtual restoration workflow. The composed Overview consists of eight phases, distinguishing 22 steps, encompassing both traditional restorations steps, virtual steps and combined steps in which material, object, device and product-related possibilities are displayed. To assess its effectiveness, an experimental set-up was devised, incorporating a pre and post-test, short-term and long-term usability testing, and an evaluation questionnaire. This set-up was implemented within an educational context involving third-year bachelor students in CR at the University of Antwerp ( n = 17). Although the Overview OP does require a learning curve and may initially appear overwhelming, the experimental results demonstrated it organisational structure. It was found to be highly useful, timesaving and capable of efficiently guiding CR practitioners towards relevant information tailored to their specific cases. Following the validation process, the Overview OP was improved based on the received feedback. Additionally, a literature update was conducted, expanding the Overview OP to include cases executed between 2020 and 2023. The finalised version, along with the accompanying "Inventory of cases" is now accessible open-source on an online platform. (c) 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR). This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ )