3D Scholary Editions
MVRDV - The Hannover Expo 2000
Brittany Brighouse; Ania MolendaThe World Expo 2000 in Hannover was the first world exhibition to be held in the 21st Century and the very first to ever be held in Germany. The main theme of Expo 2000 was sustainable development and bridging the gap between nature and culture. Most of the pavilions at the Expo reflected on the relationship between nature and culture and The Netherlands’ pavilion designed by architectural firm MVRDV was no exception. Six stacked stereotypical ‘Dutch’ landscapes formed the building’s structure. This architectural experiment sought to showcase the possibilities of utilizing space as population density increases as well as exploring the concept of ‘new nature’: a mix of technology and the natural. This 3D edition utilizes the 3D model made by MVRDV and other born-digital archival material to detail their vision of sustainable architecture.
Westergasfabriek Through the Years: A Digital Reconstruction
Francesca Fabbri, University of BolognaThe edition aims to tell the story of Westergas, Amsterdam's first power station, through the 3D reconstruction of some of its most distinctive buildings, which are now lost. The reconstructions were made using photographic documentation and archive material from the municipality of Amsterdam. Over the years, Westergas has gone from being a production centre fundamental to the city's life to a cultural centre, after its disposal, being an equally crucial meeting place in the life of citizens and its identity. Among the digitally reconstructed buildings are the four Gashouders, of which only one remains today, and the demolished Water tower, of which only photographs remain. The research aimed to use open-access data such as photographs and technical drawings to reconstruct the layout of some of the most important buildings.
Whale-bottle-shoe
Francien BossemaIs it a shoe? A bottle? Or, a whale? As it turns out, all three: a bottle in the shape of a shoe in the shape of a whale. The exact use of this rather peculiar object remains an intriguing question. Was it actually used as a bottle, or is the removable tail-shaped cork merely decorative? Was it perhaps made by a shoemaker as a master's test before they were allowed to enter the cobbler’s guild? Explore the 3D visualization of this somewhat odd object from the Rijksmuseum collection (on loan from the Koninklijk Oudheidkundig Genootschap (KOG)) to look at this object up close and discover the research that has been performed on it using CT and 3D scanning.
Church of St. Johannis in Mainz
Igor Bajena, Hochschule Mainz - University of Applied Sciences, University of BolognaThis edition presents a reconstruction of St. John's Church (St. Johanniskirche) in Mainz as it was in 800 AD. The primary focus is on the church's role in early medieval Mainz during Charlemagne's reign. Additionally, the edition presents methodology and documentation of the reconstruction process, including alternative variants and authentic elements that have survived to the present day, and assesses the uncertainty of church components. The initial reconstruction was part of the Digital Urban History Lab (DUHL) project in collaboration with the Institute of Architecture of the Hochschule Mainz (AI MAINZ) and the Rhineland-Palatinate General Directorate for Cultural Heritage (GDKE).
3D Düwelsteene
Louise Tharandt, Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinThe megalithic passage grave Düwelsteene is one of the most southwestern graves of the Funnel Beaker culture still in existence. Through ceramic finds and radiocarbon dating of a skull fragment, the grave can be dated from 3300 BC to 2600 BC. After excavations under archaeological supervision in 1932, the grave was restored to the appearance it was thought to have had around 3000 BC. Thanks to a citizen science project carried out by the Altertumskommission für Westfalen (LWL), a digital reconstruction was created by combining a 3D image based model and photographs of the grave complex before 1932. This 3D edition gives insights into the history of the Düwelsteene as well as the research and modelling process.
The Private Library of Pieter De Graeff (1638-1707) at Herengracht 573, Amsterdam
Chiara Piccoli, University of AmsterdamWhat was the appearance of a private library in early modern Amsterdam, and what types of books could be found in there? This 3D scholarly edition focuses on the library of Pieter de Graeff (1638-1707), Lord of Zuid-Polsbroek, Purmerland, and Ilpendam and a director of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the Amsterdam chamber. It is organized in four tours offering 1) contextual insights into the library's location and appearance, 2) an exploration of the library's book collection, 3) a behind-the-scenes look at the 3D reconstruction process, and 4) a snapshot of the house's entrance hall, grand salon, and garden.
Diaconie Weeshuis
Tijm LanjouwIn the latter half of the 17th century, the Diaconie Weeshuis, an Amsterdam orphanage managed by a protestant church, proudly overlooked the Amstel river. It was located on former ‘Vlooienburg’, an island constructed in the Amstel river for urban expansion around 1600. The orphanage was constructed in 1656, after the plague epidemic of 1654-55 which had turned many children to orphanhood. It was sited on a previously unbuilt quay area on the edge of Vlooienburg. To make space for this large building, a new strip of land had to be reclaimed from the Amstel river. This building stood here for 230 years before it got replaced by a new orphanage building in Neogothic style in 1888. Neither of the two buildings have survived, and especially for the older building there are only few remaining visual sources. This 3D reconstruction for the first time synthesises these sources into a model of this lost piece of architecture of Amsterdam.
Funko Pop! n°82: Sansa Stark
Manon Lamy; Florence BodsonThe whole 3D scholarly edition concept starts with the observation of the phenomenon of Nostalgia. This can be seen with the rise of pop culture and therefore characters being made into toys. Funko Pop often represents our favorite and affectionate TV characters which creates a sense of nostalgia which is used by the company as a marketing tool. We also explore the historical and cultural context of Sansa Stark by observing the symbolism behind her detailed outfit as well as the medieval environment of the Game of Thrones TV show. We take a special interest into the feminism present in that specific moment. Sansa is portrayed as an empowerment woman, taking her freedom and independence with traces of her evolution as a character shown in her coronation gown.
Deciphering the Wizards Magic in the Cultural, Symbolic and Commercial Realm
Marisa Sonnen; Judy van WijlickThe wizard often denotes wisdom, powerful magic and is often present as a mysterious figure in fairy tales and folklore as well as in modern stories, guiding the hero through his journey. In a way he is a sort of intuition and moral authority. We wish to tell the story of origin of how a wizard came to be. From literature wizards such as Merlin, political wizards such as Nostradamus and historical wizards such as alchemist and astrologers. What did wizards symbolise then and what do they symbolise now? Different perspectives that will be discussed and related to this figurine are about literature, psychology, iconography and gender studies.
Ken: Not Just Barbie's Accessory
Xinyue Ruan; Julia De KosterFor the project Toys with Voice we are creating a digital 3D model of Ken. The Ken doll was invented in 1961 after Barbie critics believed that the popular doll was missing something; a boyfriend. Since then Ken has solely been Barbie’s accessory, but with the creation of the Barbie movie in 2023 many of us realised that Ken represents much more than just Barbie’s boyfriend. In our scholarly 3D edition of this particular Ken we aim to analyse the broader cultural significance that dolls such as Ken have on children. As such, we will not only analyse why Ken was invented and how Ken has evolved, but also how Ken represents unattainable body standards and how Barbie’s and Ken’s relationship reinforce heteronormative ideals and traditional gender roles.
The Model Train: Not Just a Toy
Karla Terhaar; Jagoda RokickaModel trains are not typical toys, since they outgrew generations and age. They catch the attention of not only children, but adults as well. Connecting elements, both on the train and tracks, allow those playing to create unique combinations of wagons, train routes, and even worlds. Despite the nature of the toy, this opportunity to be creative has been and continues to be limited by the social standards, which consequently influences decisions made by manufacturers. While playing with and collecting model trains is seen as a space in which masculinity and mental health can be positively explored, sources emphasize the historical under-representation and exclusion of women in this male-dominated community.
From Painter to Pop Icon: The Vincent van Gogh Funko Pop!
Martina Bardelli; Alina VonderhagenThe Vincent van Gogh Funko Pop! was released in 2019 by Funko Inc. as part of the ‘Artist Pop! Collection’. In this figure, van Gogh wears a working attire and a straw hat while he is holding a colour palette in one hand and a painting brush in the other. Funko Pop! figures are famous worldwide since they allow fans to collect items from their favourite idols in a relatively cheap way. As of 2024, there are over 20,000 different Funko Pop! Vinyl figures and each one comes from a different category such as: Pop! Icon, Pop! Disney, etc. This is because Funko Inc. wishes to make collectibles which suit everybody’s desires and re-create those nostalgic childhood moments for adults.
Unboxing the Pink Baby LOL Surprise! Doll
Isabel Cortés Rodríguez; Beatrice GiordanoThis 3D scholarly edition focuses on the LOL Surprise Series called Pink Baby. She is inspired by the movie Grease, as she is dressed as one of the Pink Ladies. She is an example of popular culture repackaged for new generations. Her characteristics and features draw on popular representations of women's empowerment however it displays examples of girl power feminism void of its political content. Her packaging and distribution system render the object a product of capitalism which drives overconsumption and materialistic attitudes among children.
Baby Yoda: Cutifying a Franchise
Remco Poeliejoe; Anaelle DémareIn 2019, the first live-action Star Wars show “The Mandalorian” aired. The series follows a bounty hunter on his adventures while protecting an alien child. The Child, also known as Grogu, is of the same species as the well-known Star Wars character Yoda (hence his nickname, Baby Yoda), and share some physical resemblances such as long ears and green skin. Unlike Yoda, he has rather big eyes. Following the success of the series, Disney released various merchandise surrounding Baby Yoda, ranging from toys to household items. Baby Yoda’s cuteness is strategically used to attract both Star Wars fans and a broader audience. Similarly, through internet memes, Baby Yoda has effectively capitalised on the emotional connection that fans have towards him.
Barbie's Life Beyond the Plastic
Ophélie Delsaute; Samantha Cijntje; Betty SchreinerEven though Barbie was created to be a role model to young girls, showing them that they could be whoever they wanted to be, the toy was not always seen as this positive figure. The feminist approach has been criticized heavily because of Barbie’s « superficial » message and her unrealistic beauty standards that were distributed to these young girls. Barbie used to be very fit and slim, with long blonde hair and no flaw whatsoever. With time, the Barbie doll evolved and we can nowadays discover different types of Barbies, with different body types and other particularities. With the release of the live action Barbie movie, the discussion about this issue has moreover resurrected and people wonder if Barbie can actually be an activist for feminism. The movie shows another side of Barbie, with its feminist message and its critique of the world.
UNO: The Story of the Number One Card Game
Luca Reinhold; Jim NiepceUNO, the #1 card game in the world, is famous for its simplicity, suiting all ages. Invented in 1971 by barber Merle Robbins, the game gained widespread popularity in the United States. The rights to the game were purchased by Mattel in 1992, whose marketing practices made UNO to the global phenomenon it is now. The game is simple: the first player to get rid of all their cards wins. Players must match either the colour or number of the card played before them or use one of their special cards. When a player has one card left, they must yell out ‘’UNO!’’. Besides for fun, the game is also being played for educational purposes, teaching math and logical reasoning.
Inside the Fantastical World of Mickey Mouse
Helena Baumane; Tetiana BorokhovskaThe scholarly edition of this Mickey Mouse toy guides through different historical, cultural and social aspects related to the Disney mascot and globally loved character. The success of Mickey Mouse cartoons put Disney at the lead of animation, provided a possibility to merchandise its products globally and led to the creation of Disneyland. Even though Mickey Mouse was created in the 1920s his appearance and personality changed over the years, although his iconic round ears remained and have become a symbol. This year the first design of Mickey from 1928 entered the public domain that was under Disney copyright for 96 years. Tours within the edition lead the reader from the creation of Mickey Mouse to his longstanding prevalence.
Pikachu: A Cultural Icon getting a Gender
Menglu Li; Yule BrücknerPikachu is part of the globally successful Pokémon franchise and is considered as Nintendo’s most renowned character. The figurine, however, features the female version of Pikachu, first introduced in 2006, ten years after the franchise's beginnings. This makes the toy interesting to examine from a feminist framework. Aside from the discussion of gender inherent in the toy’s design choices, we will also analyse the cuteness culture of Japan and how “cuteness” is used as a marketing strategy. The marketability of cuteness, and the figurine's connection to KFC, also invited us to study the consumerist properties of the figurine. Finally, the traditional Chinese elements incorporated into the toy design encouraged a cultural anthropological exploration of Chinese traditions.
Lelé, the Mexican Rag Doll
Lonne Olmeyer; Dora DubravecThis 3D scholarly edition explores the significance of the Mexican rag doll, known as Lelé, María, or Queretana, within the Otomí and Mazahua communities of central México. Originating from Querétaro and dating back to pre-Hispanic times, these dolls evolved from protective charms made of natural materials to vibrant fabric dolls following Spanish colonization. By the 1970s, commercialization efforts aimed to empower indigenous economies, highlighting the dolls as symbols of cultural heritage. The rag doll symbolizes tradition of artisanry among indigenous women, who, through their craft, assert agency and maintain cultural identity amidst external socio-political pressures. It serves as a reflection of traditional female roles within Otomí and Mazahua societies, simultaneously echoing and questioning the gender norms prevalent in indigenous settings.
Guns as Toys
Mateusz Kubow; Tristan Willems-PiscoIn this edition, we explore the social context around the Nerf Gun - Elite 2.0 Commander RD-6 from different angles. We focus on the mass production and consumerism surrounding the Hasboro brand. We also explore the material aspects of the gun itself and sensory experience of the toy. Narratives around gun 'play' is further contextualised within the heated debate around gun ownership in the United States.
The Asian Princess Mulan
Ayumi Hirata; Evelyn LohThe story of Mulan is originally from a ballad in the Northern Wei dynasty of ancient China, with the setting of military service was primarily limited to men. Mulan’s father was not able to serve the country due to his illness, thus Mulan decided to disguise as a man and enlist in the army to replace her father. The representation of Mulan’s courage, strength, and tenacity in Mulan’s story breaks down stereotypes of traditional gender norms and highlights female empowerment. With the release of the animated movie Mulan by Disney in 1998, this character’s commercial success and international prominence were boosted. The demand for diverse and inspiring figures of Disney princess and the valuable qualities of this character have led to the commercialization of Mulan toys. The image of Mulan is now widely incorporated into the cultural entertainment industry in both Asia and Western countries.
Exploring Oriental Fantasy Fiction: The Dragon and his Companion
Jasper Starren; Lana MaasTo research how toys can reflect societal expectations and convey stereotypes, we picked a Dragon and his keeper created by the German company Schleich in 2012. Schleich aims to educate children while fostering their imagination and creativity. Although the company aims for diversity nowadays, some of the toys they released facilitate cultural and gender stereotypes. Therefore, the Dragon Rider is dressed in stereotypical oriental clothes. We will aim to answer whether this portrayal stems from cultural appropriation or appreciation. Additionally, it is striking that most male Schleich characters are portrayed as warriors while the female characters are often peaceful fairies in need of protection. Lastly our research will include the portrayal of dragons in mythology and fantasy fiction.
The Volendam Dutch Doll: A Toy of Another Time
Helene Hinskens; Sarah BohnauThis 3D edition centres on a doll in traditional Dutch costume. She is dressed in traditional clothes for a woman from the town of Volendam, a seaside village north of Amsterdam. Her outfit includes wooden clogs, a blood red coral necklace, and a peaked and winged white cap, typically made of lace. This outfit has come to be representative of traditinal Dutch folk clothing, but in reality was only worn in Volendam.
The Baby Doll
Nina Steuermann; Lena ReichelThis baby doll symbolizes far more than merely a toy. It has many rich cultural, social and historical dimensions that have shaped its image. Its enduring, widespread appeal offers a fascinating mirror to society, tracing the evolution of the baby doll from Victorian times to the present day. This scholarly edition delves into its most captivating features, particularly examining gender stereotypes and the reinforcement of the maternal role.
Sherriff Woody Pride: A Toy (his)Story
Saloni Meghnani; Giuliana BrancaleoneSheriff Woody Pride is the iconic protagonist of the Toy Story film franchise. Our 3D scholarly edition of Woody aims to evaluate the toy’s legacy by looking at it through a cultural, social, political, and historical lens. The edition investigates Woody’s persona in the film franchise, by observing power dynamics between the characters, particularly Bo Peep and Buzz Lightyear. The study focuses on the portrayal of masculinity, political ideals, and feminist perspectives. By encapsulating these various perspectives, we aim to provide a thorough understanding of the creation of Sheriff Woody Pride and how he mediates the values and ideals of the late 1990s but also stands as a catalyst in a significant shift in pop culture.
Schoonhoven R 62-13
Hilde Janssen, Museum van Bommel van DamR 62-13 by Jan Schoonhoven is a key piece for the modern art collection of the Museum van Bommel van Dam. This 3D edition explores the artistic process of creation through the lens of Schoonhoven's two main conceptual influences - the absence of composition and monochromy from The Informals movement and the concept of objectivity and standardization coming from the Zero Movement. The 3D aspect of this edition also offers an opportunity to look behind the artwork to exmaine the ownership and loan history of the wall relief.
Masker met mobiele onderkaak
Hilde Janssen, Museum van Bommel van DamMasker met mobiele onderkaak or "Mask with movable lower jaw" is a 3D edition about an object from the ethnographic sub-collection of the Museum van Bommel van Dam. The mask originates from the Wee people (formerly Ngere) of the Ivory Coast. While the exact meaning and use of this mask by the Wee people is not known, this edition examines the object's materiality as a means of exploring the various social and political functions of masks for this communitity. This edition also explores western perspectives on the value of ethnographic objects like this mask for collectors and their later influence on modern art aesthetics.
Akua'ba child figure
Hilde Janssen, Museum van Bommel van DamThis is a 3D edition of an Akua'ba Child Figure from the ethnographic sub-collection of the Museum van Bommel van Dam. Created by a priest of the Asante people from southern Ghana, the statue represents the ideal child that an Asante woman was hoping to concieve. Through a materialist exploration of the statue, this edition provides context for its creation and use in order demonstrate the meaning of the child figure for the Asante people. The edition furthermore situates the statue's shift in value to one of a commercial nature within the ethnographic collecting phenomenon from the early 20th century.
Maarten van Bommel op Bank
Hilde Janssen, Museum van Bommel van DamMaarten van Bommel op bank is a 3D edition of a ceramic sculpture made for Maarten van Bommel on the occasion of his birthday in 1989. This sculpture forms the backdrop to explore the Museum's collection of modern art, the background to the founding of the museum by the collectors Maarten and Reina van Bommel van Dam, as well as elaborating on the artist's choices within the sculpture. The sculpture is displayed in the Museum van Bommel van Dam in a period room replicating the Van Bommel van Dam's sitting room.
The Church of Our Lady and its Claustral Belt
Eric WetzelsThe Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, or Church of Our Lady, is one of two prominent squares in the city of Maastricht that has witnessed 2000 years of history. It was once the setting of a major religious chapter for the city where chapter lords lived and maintained the buildings and community functions of the religious complexes. This 3D edition reveals some of that history through an annotated model of the French military maquette from 1748 and two guided tours that walk through the broad historical moments the square has witnessed as well as historical contextualization to the naming of the streets surrounding the square.
Petrol Lamp: Safety and Hazards
Miriam Paloni; Kevin Raetsen; Kirstin RömerThis 3D scholalry edition is about what is typically called a petrol lamp, its advantages and the danger it posed. In 1882, the German manufacturer Carl Wolf developed the first petrol lamp with an integrated igniter and magnetic lock. Compared to the existing mining lamps that burned oil, the petrol lamp had several advantages, including the lamp burning cleaner and brighter, as well as being safer. This lamp was an important tool for both lighting and as a measuring instrument. Despite the petrol lamp’s improved safety features, it did not provide foolproof protection against explosions, as evidinced in the mining disaster of 1928 in Brunssum.
Attachable Helmet Lamp: A Relief for the Miner
Miriam Paloni; Kevin Raetsen; Kirstin RömerThis edition is about the cap or helmet lamp. Mines are dark, deep places where light was needed to see and work. Mining lamps brought light to the dark and were an essential tools for miners. From the mid-1950s, the cap lamp was the most commonly used lamp in the underground mining industry. The lamp brought a welcome relief to the miner where comfort was concerned. Working on electricity via a battery, the cap lamp was easier to handle, lighter and more portable than earlier types of mining lamps.
Codex Cospi
Alice Bordignon, Davide DomeniciThe Codex Cospi is one of the few surviving precolonial Mesoamerican manuscripts, making it an invaluable resource for understanding indigenous Mesoamerican culture. The 3D Scholarly Digital Edition of the Codex Cospi was created to consolidate this cultural treasure into an accessible, dynamic, and interactive multimedia resource. In this context, the 3D model of the manuscript serves as both a comprehensive "container" and an interpretative focal point, bringing together various resources to enhance the manuscript experience. Beginning with the 3D model visualisation, users can explore annotations, articles, images, videos, audio, and external links, all of which are functionally interconnected. This seamless integration enables a multi-layered and interconnected study, merging direct engagement with the Codex and its broader contextual insights. The digital representation of the Codex was developed as part of the digital twin for the temporary exhibition The Other Renaissance: Ulisse Aldrovandi, the Wonders of the World. This edition aims to deepen the understanding of a key exhibit piece, allowing it to transcend its role in the wider museum narrative and emerge as the central subject of its own story.
The Battle at 25 Northumberland Road
Susan Schreibman; Kelly Gillikin Schoueri; John Kaulakis; Luca Moine; Sandra Martinez BöhmeThis 3D Scholarly Edition utilises a 3D reconstruction to contextualise and narrate the events focusing the first building the British troops (The Sherwood Foresters) encountered on the afternoon of 26 April 1916 on their march into the city centre. The building was held by Irish Volunteers Michael Malone and James Grace of C Company, 3rd Battalion of the Dublin Brigade of Irish Volunteers. Sources agree that the battle began around 12.30 on Wednesday afternoon as the Volunteers shot at oncoming British troops. The time the building fell is contested as sources provide varying accounts.
Rembrandt's Birthplace
PJ De VosThis virtual edition is a presentation of the house of Rembrandt. It will take you through the history of the complex, its architecture and daily life in Leiden in the years after the siege of Leiden by the Spanish in 1573.
