>> ADEMA and the Consell de Mallorca are launching an innovative educational project to explore this heritage. The 3D-printed replicas will not only serve as study material for students but will also allow museum visitors, especially those with visual impairments, to enjoy a closer interaction with the heritage. .
>> The results of the research will be materialized in an exhibition at the Museum of Mallorca with images, documentation and reproductions of the findings..
The Consell de Mallorca and the ADEMA University School are launching an innovative educational project that combines artistic research and 3D technology for the study and dissemination of historical heritage. Fine Arts students will research the Museu de Mallorca’s collection of medieval capitals, and the 3D-printed replicas will not only serve as study material for the students but will also allow museum visitors, especially those with visual impairments, to enjoy a closer interaction with the heritage.
The Vice President of the Consell de Mallorca and Minister of Culture and Heritage, Antònia Roca, explained that “the results of the research will be presented in an exhibition at the Museu de Mallorca with images, documentation, and reproductions of the findings.” Both the Vice President of the Consell de Mallorca and Minister of Culture and Heritage, Antònia Roca, and the head of studies for the Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Amparo Sard, emphasized that this project strengthens the relationship between ADEMA and the Consell de Mallorca with the aim of promoting education, innovation, and the conservation and dissemination of heritage.
In fact, they argue that “the use of 3D technology in the field of Fine Arts opens up new perspectives for the study of heritage, offering innovative tools for the restoration, conservation, and dissemination of art internationally.”
On the other hand, the Head of Studies for the Degree in Fine Arts, Amparo Sard, explained during the visit made by first-year students to the Museu de Mallorca to the Vice President of the Consell de Mallorca, Antònia Roca, and the Director of the Museum, Maria Gràcia Salvà, that “this initiative, developed within the framework of the 2024/25 academic year, will allow students to explore new forms of learning through the digitization and reproduction of historical pieces in 3D, providing an educational experience in the field of art and heritage conservation.”
The project, part of the Art History II course, focuses on the museum’s collection of medieval capitals, architectural elements of great historical and artistic value. Under the direction of María de la Concepción Bauzà, a professor of Fine Arts at the ADEMA University School, and in coordination with the museum’s management, the students will conduct an exhaustive study of these capitals, analyzing their stylistic characteristics, historical context, and evolution over time. “As a fundamental part of the initiative, 3D scanning technology will be used to digitally capture each piece without having to move it from its original location, thus ensuring its preservation,” explained Amparo Sard.
In this regard, Amparo Sard explained that “this project stands out for its impact on accessibility, as the printed reproductions will facilitate access to art for people with visual impairments, who will be able to explore the shapes and details of the capitals with their hands without compromising the preservation of the original pieces. In this way, ADEMA reaffirms its commitment to inclusion and the democratization of artistic knowledge.”
In addition to 3D scanning and printing, the students will also conduct detailed research on the iconography of the capitals, their symbolism, and how these elements have been interpreted throughout art history. Professor María de la Concepción Bauzà announced that “the results of this research will be on display during the exhibition scheduled for May 2025 in the temporary exhibition hall of the Museu de Mallorca. The exhibition will include 3D reproductions of the capitals, images of the digitization process, and documentation on the discoveries made during the project.”
Visitors will be able to learn firsthand about the digitization and reproduction process of the pieces, as well as the students’ artistic interpretations based on their historical and symbolic analysis.
Furthermore, Amparo Sard underscored the importance of this initiative, stating that “this project represents a step forward in the way we understand art teaching, allowing students not only to analyze the history of heritage but also to actively contribute to its preservation and dissemination through technology. The combination of artistic research with accessibility opens up new opportunities to bring art closer to society as a whole.”
This project was made possible thanks to a collaboration agreement signed between ADEMA and the Museum of Mallorca, strengthening the relationship between the two institutions and fostering synergies between education, innovation, and heritage conservation.
Finally, Antònia Roca stated that “with this initiative, we reinforce the Consell de Mallorca’s commitment to the preservation and dissemination of the island’s heritage, bringing it closer to citizens through innovation and accessibility. It is an example of how technology can open new doors for education and cultural inclusion.”