PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (November 19, 2020) – When architectural landmarks are damaged, 3D technology can help in restoration efforts. The Prairie View A&M University School of Architecture (SOA) Community Urban Rural Enhancement Service (CURES) Center has one of the most advanced 3D laser scanning technology systems available. A team from the center recently won an international design competition for their poster and presentation explaining the system.
William Batson
“Our team has been working diligently and continually on historic preservation projects that require the use of our 3D laser scanner,” said Associate Professor William Batson. “This win has allowed us to promote our school and our student’s work to the larger world community of preservationists, and we hope the notoriety translates to more visibility, recognition, and more projects.”
Batson led the poster and presentation team, which included fellow SOA CURES staff members Yunsik Song, Pankaj Chhetri, and Abel Simie. The team was one of only three best poster award winners at the international ICT4D 2020 Non-Conference held virtually this fall.
The conference brings together international government agencies, companies, academia, and the general public to explore technology and its intersection with society and communication. This year’s theme was digital inclusion, and posters were peer-reviewed by other members of academia. Teams presented research findings related to their posters as part of their submissions.
“Our award has inspired us to meet more regularly and submit to more conferences. Our win has energized us and motivated others how technology can play a vital role in documentation and preservation of our heritages,” Batson said.
Despite the fact Covid-19 interrupted in-person meetings, Batson said virtual technologies like video conferencing actually made it easier to collaborate on the project. Working from home and attending the conference virtually cut down on travel time and enabled them to spend more time working together and sharing ideas.
“This conference provided us the venue to represent PVAMU on an international level and opportunities to network and collaborate globally. We received an invitation from the awarding conference to submit our work at another similar international conference,” said Batson.
By Jocelyn Kerr
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