Members of Birkbeck’s Immersive Learning Centre (ILC) visited the Thames foreshore with Birkbeck Archaeology staff and students to investigate maritime artefacts at low tide. What followed was an unforgettable hands-on experience that combined history, technology, and creativity. Birkbeck work placement student, Jorge Bau I Munguira, shares how it went in this blog, after interviewing ILC staff member Luca Battiston.

A race against the tide

Since the Thames foreshore is only fully exposed at low-tide, we had an early start and a time-limited opportunity to explore archaeological remains between the high and low tide marks. We carried ILC 360° cameras & 3D scanning equipment to create interactive models for students, enabling them to learn and practice the techniques and methodologies used to create 3D models and immersive media in the field.

These models will be made available upon our return to campus. Due to the incoming tide, we had approximately 1.5 hours total time, including carrying the equipment to the shoreline, scanning the items, and collecting images for processing. Even under these tight time restrictions, we still produced some incredible results.

Scanning history

We used Artec professional scanners and showed alternative scanning techniques to produce highly detailed 3D digital models from a series of photographs. The 3D models taken during the session can be viewed on phones, computers, and even VR headsets. Since much of London’s history lies beneath the water line at high tide, and it is not permitted to remove finds from the beach without a licence, we could capture and preserve these artifacts digitally and later create interactive models of objects found along the riverbank that students would otherwise never get to see.

Some of the greatest finds of the day included a large dock structure, measuring over four metres in length, made from reused ship timbers including part of a rudder, which dated back centuries to the days when large ships would dock along the Thames. Archaeologist Dr Lesley McFadyen provided expert knowledge and historical context about the discoveries, and ensured the correct archaeological procedures were followed. Witnessing something so historically important, and often invisible, added another level of excitement to the session.

Throughout the session, the ILC team taught student groups how to properly position themselves while scanning, ensure they captured enough images to make a complete model, and described how to recognise potential issues when scanning irregular surfaces. Meanwhile, they also worked with the 360° cameras, providing panoramic views of the area and capturing the energy of the day, generating a complete immersive record of the event. Given the short amount of time, it was amazing to see the outcomes.

Students were ‘hooked’

The response from the ‘Thames Through Time’ field school students was incredibly positive. Many students stated they were ‘hooked’ not only because of the technology they were using but due to the unique location where they were utilising it. For many students, this was their first exposure to 3D scanning equipment and experiencing it outside in the open air on the shores of the Thames while discovering pieces of maritime history dating back hundreds of years is an experience they’ll never forget.

For many students, viewing a portion of London’s riverbed in detail as an interactive 3D model on a computer screen represented a whole new way for them to engage with history and their surroundings. This fusion of physical exploration and digital design created a dynamic that cannot be replicated inside a typical classroom and, as cultural institutions continue to embrace this technology, these skills could provide important employability opportunities.

The ILC and archaeology teams are already planning a second session for students to review and build upon their 3D models and learn more about the photogrammetry process.

Immersive learning beyond campus walls

This trip shows exactly what Immersive Learning Centre’s are all about – immersing your learning beyond the limits of a lecture hall and into the real world. In addition to using cutting edge technologies designed for immersive experiences, we incorporated outdoor exploration and real discoveries from London’s rich history, allowing students to discover their own history rather than only studying it from a book.

In addition, it highlights how easy it is for anyone to take advantage of this type of experience. Immersive technologies (including 360° cameras and digital audio recorders) are available to checkout for free from Birkbeck’s library – all you need is your student or staff ID card. If you’re currently working on a project (research or creative), or if you’d like to try out immersive technologies and what can be achieved with them, then now is the time!

Trips like this Thames Foreshore trip demonstrate that, with some creativity and proper equipment, learning can occur anywhere, even along one of the world’s oldest rivers with tidal waters rising!

Further information

• Find out more about the Immersive Learning Centre
• Study Archaeology at Birkbeck