A methodology to make cultural heritage more accessible to people with visual disabilities through 3d Printing

Abstract

This work aims to facilitate the experience of visually impaired people in cultural visits with the purpose that they can access in an inclusive and accessible way to their artistic and architectural heritage. For this objective, we have designed a set of reduced models that reproduce the different artistic elements that make up the heritage spaces so that they can perceive them by touch while visiting the site. In order to carry it out, different surveys have been done through laser scanner and automated photogrammetry and the models have been printed using a 3D printer, due to its accessible cost and because it is a very widespread tool in today’s society. This experience has been put into practice, with the help of the service of specialized guides, in the city of Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), a World Heritage city, which houses numerous typological heritage samples, of different sizes and nature. In this sense, our proposal seeks to adapt the models to the narrative that is developed during the visit, finding the best time to introduce the typhlological material in every particular case. Besides, if the features of the work of art require it, several models at different scales must be fabricated to facilitate the comprehensive understanding of the heritage element: from the general to the particular. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed models, tests have been carried out with visually impaired people who belong to the ONCE (National Organization of Spanish visually impaired people) delegation of Alcalá de Henares, and who have valued the experience very positively, highlighting its usefulness and identifying its limitations and areas for improvement. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20365/disegnarecon.32.2024.4