International project “Digital modeling of cultural heritage sites of Russia and Cuba”
Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU), together with the Technological University of Havana «José Antonio Echeverría» (CUJAE), a leading Cuban university, is implementing a unique international project on digital modeling of cultural heritage sites. This project combines modern engineering technologies, scientific research, and intercultural dialogue to preserve and promote global historical heritage.
The project is being implemented with the support of the Committee for State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of St. Petersburg, the Union of Restorers of St. Petersburg and the National Council for Cultural Heritage of Cuba.
Main mission — development of precise digital twins of unique architectural and historical monuments in Russia and Cuba using advanced 3D scanning, virtual reality, and augmented reality technologies.
Main objectives:
- Creation of a unified digital database of cultural heritage sites in Russia and Cuba
- Developing innovative methods for the conservation and restoration of architectural monuments
- Promoting intercultural dialogue and strengthening scientific cooperation between the two countries
- Creating educational resources for students, researchers, and the general public.
The project uses the latest digital documentation technologies:
- 3D scanning and photogrammetry — creating precise three-dimensional models of objects
- Laser scanning — capturing the smallest details of architectural structures
- Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) — developing interactive educational environments
- Digital twins — creating dynamic models reflecting the state of objects in real time
- Big data and cloud technologies — storing and processing massive amounts of information.
Each student team will explore cultural heritage sites from their respective countries. Russian students from the Institute of Civil Engineering at SPbPU will explore the Kholomki estate of Prince Andrei Grigorievich Gagarin and the Church of the Ascension of the Lord in the village of Belskoye Ustye. Cuban students will focus on exploring the headquarters of the Faculty of Physics and the headquarters of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Havana.