This panel will explore the feasibility of virtually reconstructing architectural networks in time and space. Geospatial mapping and network visualizations offer promising ways to reveal connections between architects, builders, and patrons. Projects such as the Pacific Coast Architecture Database, HistoricPlacesLA on the Arches platform, and the Built Works Registry already show intriguing possibilities for research, but how can we combine efforts, along with information from these and other resources, into a powerful tool that uses standardized vocabularies as linked open data, allowing researchers to explore connections between creators and influencers of the built environment? Harvesting metadata from archival finding aids at a deeper level has the potential to bring to light the important contributions of engineers, draftsmen, landscape architects, and historically marginalized groups within the architectural profession, particularly women and people of color. This panel seeks to explore what platforms and data sources might be best suited to these purposes.
- Alan Michelson (University of Washington) will discuss the past development and potential future directions of the Pacific Coast Architecture Database
- Margaret Smithglass (Columbia University Avery Library) will speak on behalf of the Built Works Registry
- Robin Johnson (Getty Research Institute) will detail relevant authority work done within the Getty Vocabularies (ULAN and CONA, in particular), and
- Annabel Enriquez (Getty Conservation Institute) will provide an update on Arches, an open source heritage inventory and management platform, providing an overview of how it might be used for a collaborative project of this type.
Organized by the ARLIS Architecture Section, this panel is designed to encourage discussion, collaboration, and awareness of the tools, standards, and platforms that can enable digital humanities projects that have the potential to shift the focus of architectural history
research. Ample time for discussion will be provided.
Projects to be Discussed:http://pcad.lib.washington.edu/http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabularies/http://builtworksregistry.org/https://www.archesproject.org/Frequently Asked Questions about Linked Open Data (American Art Collaborative): http://americanartcollaborative.org/tools/faqs/Learning Objectives:- Awareness of current projects ripe for collaboration, both relating to architectural archives and in the broader cultural heritage landscape.
- Awareness of current technologies, systems, and standards.
- Awareness of different levels of participation, from individuals contributing data to institutions facilitating larger initiatives.
