A Virtual Model of the Villa dei Papiri by M. Zarmakoupi
The model presents a digital walkthrough of the grand ancient villa, which was located by the sea and decorated throughout with mosaics and frescoes. Named after the collection of papyrus scrolls found on its premises, the Villa dei Papiri is famous for inspiring the design for the Getty Villa, though the Getty Villa’s groundplan is adapted to its narrow canyon site.
The VR model incorporates data from both past and recent excavations and proposes a scientifically documented reconstruction, as opposed to commercial reconstructions that are influenced by the Getty Villa. I developed the model in discussion with the excavators of the site with the purpose of making it available as a research tool for archaeological excavation. The Villa dei Papiri is located below ground level under layers of rock, and still has not been entirely excavated.
My aim in creating the virtual-reality model of the Villa of the Papyri was threefold. First, I set out to create a digital architectural model that incorporates the architectural structures known from the 18th century as well as those found in recent excavations. Second, I wanted to present a reconstruction that distinguishes the structures known from Karl Weber’s groundplan made in 1758, when the villa still lay mostly underground, from the structures that have been unearthed in excavations conducted between 1986 and 1998, and again since 1999, as well as from proposed restorations. These areas are color-coded on the model: beige for areas known from the 18th century plan, gold for areas revealed during the recent excavations, and grey for reconstructed areas.
