Digital Heritage
The virtualization of cultural heritage creates a profound cultural and economic impact on society. By transforming historical sites and artifacts into immersive digital experiences, we foster a deeper understanding and interest among students and the general public, bringing history to life in a way that is both accessible and engaging.
Our digital twins help preserve and showcase cultural heritage, instilling a sense of pride and connection to our shared past. Additionally, these virtual experiences serve as a powerful tool to revitalize tourism, drawing both local and international visitors, as well as scholars, to explore these digitized treasures, thereby contributing to economic growth and cultural exchange on a global scale. Some examples of photogrammetry applied to cultural heritage we have created in Spain are shown below.
1. The Castle of Pioz, Guadalajara, Spain. This 3D animation shows a captivating look at a late 15th-century Moorish fortress, an architectural marvel showcasing the military advancements of its era. By digitally preserving and animating this historical site, the project fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of medieval military architecture among students and the public.
2. Dia y Noche. Dronícola presents a surreal digital twin interpretation of Noche, part of the Día y Noche sculptural set by Antonio López García. This piece, originally created as a solemn and reflective monument at Atocha station, embodies a haunting presence in digital form.
Through our interpretation, Noche transcends its physical reality, inviting viewers to explore its textures and shadowed curves within a surreal, immersive environment. This digital twin reimagines López García's vision, allowing audiences to interact with the artwork in new, atmospheric dimensions—capturing the essence of night and memory in an otherworldly space.
3. Castle of Cifuentes, Guadalajara, Spain. The 3D animation of the Castle of Cifuentes in Guadalajara, Spain, brings to life a typical 14th-century medieval Spanish castle, originally erected by the iconic Spanish knight Don Juan Manuel. This digital reconstruction serves as a powerful educational tool, fostering a deeper understanding and interest in medieval Spanish history among students and the general public.
4. Relief titled La Caridad Real, part of the Monument to King Alfonso XII in the Retiro Park, Madrid. In his magnificent artwork Sevillian sculptor Lorenzo Coullaut Valera pays homage to the king's support for those affected by a number of catastrophes: the 1879 Levante floods, the 1880 Andalusian earthquake, and the 1880 cholera epidemic in Aranjuez.
The scene shows Alfonso XII shaking hands with a kneeling man who represents the Spanish people in times of crisis. Next with the king appear three figures, (1) Charity who is symbolized as a young woman holding a heart in her hand, (2) Cupid, the god of love represented as an angel, and (3) Spring shown in the form of a young female.
5. The Castle of Cogolludo, Guadalajara, Spain. Built in the 11th century on the foundations of an earlier Muslim fortress, Cogolludo Castle exemplifies medieval military architecture in Spain. Over the centuries, it was owned by influential families, including the Mendoza lineage, and bore witness to numerous historical events.
Today, the castle is in a state of advanced ruin, but its remaining walls and towers reflect the medieval fortification style and the historical legacy of the region. Our 3D reconstruction of Cogolludo Castle allows viewers to appreciate the strategic design of its layout, positioned to dominate the town below and protect the surrounding area, despite the ravages of time and conflict.Use your mouse to interact with the 3D model below.
6. Dronícola's digital twin of El Hombre Sentado, the life-sized bronze statue by Félix Hernando in Madrid's Plaza de la Paja, captures both the realism and mystery of this iconic figure. Known as El Lector by locals, this statue depicts a man quietly reading a newspaper, blending seamlessly into his surroundings.
In our digital twin, we infuse an element of surrealism, bringing the scene to life with subtle, dreamlike animations—perhaps the pages of the newspaper rustle in an unseen breeze, or the statue’s gaze shifts slightly, as if aware of its observers. This surreal touch invites audiences into a liminal space between reality and imagination, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere and making El Hombre Sentado a captivating asset for virtual storytelling.
7. Castle of Torresaviñan. Situated in a strategic location in the region of Castilla-La Mancha, Torresaviñán Castle was originally constructed as a military fortress in the Middle Ages. It played a critical role in defending the region from various incursions.
The castle, with its robust and somewhat stark design, reflects the military architecture of its time, with imposing walls and defensive structures. Our digital model captures these elements with precision, allowing virtual visitors to appreciate its architectural strength and historical context even as it stands in a fragile state today. The castle is currently on the Heritage Red List.
8. Statue of Alonso III (Alfonso III), Madrid. This digital replica accurately recreates this historical figure, part of the sculptural series of the Royal Palace commissioned in the 18th century. Representing King Alfonso III of Asturias, known as “the Great,” the statue stands out for its majestic bearing and details, such as the coat of mail, the mantle, the shield with the image of his wife, Jimena of Pamplona, and the royal scepter. The style of the sculpture, less refined due to its location projected at a great height, conveys the robustness and solemnity of the king.