Abstract:

Virtual reality can be defined as the combination of physical phenomena or situations in our lives with sound, text, 3D images or graphic data produced on the computer. The aim of this study is to visit the Basilica Cistern, which is one of our important cultural values, interactively, after it has been re-functionalized in a virtual environment and turned into an exhibition. In this study, the history and architectural structure of the Basilica Cistern, data processing and digital design processes are explained. In the data processing and digital design processes, the structure was turned into a 3D solid model by taking the point cloud data obtained from the terrestrial scanning as a reference. Then, the building was turned into a virtual exhibition by making a design in accordance with the spirit of the project and the place, to be shown in the user visits on the existing solid model. The optimization phase, which is also one of these processes, is one of the most important parts of the technical stages required to provide full performance of a 3D project in digital environments such as VR, Web and phone applications. The last stage, the application (game engine) stage, is the part where the 3D model and the designed project are made into a final product by making all the visual settings and rationalization processes. As a result of the study, the refunctioning of the Basilica Cistern as a virtual exhibition is of great importance in terms of spreading the cistern to large masses and keeping its original spirit alive. Our cultural heritage structures, which have been developed based on virtual reality, will provide important benefits in the field of culture and entertainment, as well as the tourism sector, in line with the information obtained from scientific researches and studies.

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