Group Members: Matilda Lindgren, Lily Flynn, Mandy Zhang
For this project, our group studied the Yukimi (“snow viewing”) lantern. This feature is located across from the viewing building and near the Dark Stone stream. The lantern was designed to resemble a natural rock formation, especially when snow piles on top of it. Lily worked on the Scaniverse model, Mandy created the Polycam 360, and Matilda worked on taking the photos for the photogrammetry set on Metashape. We also mapped our feature on ArcGIS. Here is the link.
Attempting to model the lantern, rather than viewing a photo or map of it, helped us understand the structure and formation of the object a lot better. It allowed us to observe the lantern’s distinct features and study them within the context of its surroundings.We also gained a greater appreciation for the skill required to create models. The process demanded a great deal of attention to detail, especially when taking the photos for the photogrammetry set.
Additionally, becoming active modelers rather than passive observers significantly changed the way we think about communication, experience and history. Visual communication is extremely useful because it allows us to better understand the object’s build and significance. Making models creates more lived experiences of the objects, instead of simply looking at a photograph or on a map. Working on the models also made us appreciate Yukimi’s history as part of Carleton’s Japanese garden.
Overall, we grew a lot more curious about the lantern’s history as we not only made our own models, but researched the object in the Carleton College archives and Japanese Garden Field Guide. We learned a lot about how and why the object was created, as well as what it was meant to represent. We took this into consideration when making our models, which helped us gain a better appreciation for the Yukimi lantern that we didn’t have before. This made us wonder about other objects and buildings on campus and their histories. We would definitely be open to learning more going forward, through modeling or otherwise.
Hi, I enjoyed looking at the models you all created of the Yukimi! I agree that going out in the field and taking photos of the object allows you to understand the object within context with its surroundings which is super important if you’re considering its history. I’d also be curious to explore other parts of campus and learn more about Carleton history through this process.