3D construction of this famous landmark

Cultural heritage is an important factor for each place, without cultural heritage there are no evidence of history. There is no present without past, this fact always attracted me into exploring and learning about the history of each place and especially the place that I’m living – Brighton. I have decided to use information technology for bringing into life one of the most essential features in Brighton seashore – West Pier.

Important cultural heritage landmark
The most beatiful Pier which was located at the seashore of Brighton does not exists anymore. It was an entertainment Pier attracting visitors from all over Britain and overseas. It was a cultural heritage monument with a bright history going back at the early 1900’s.

Closed to the public in 1975
Unfortunately in 1975 the Pier closed because it wasn’t safe anymore, the structure has weakened and partially collapsed awaiting renovation. On December 2002 due to a storm the walk way that connects the concert hall and the pavilion felt into the sea. On January 20, 2003 a further collapsed followed by the destruction of the concert hall located in the middle of the pier. On 28 March 2003 the pavilion caught fire at the end of the pier and later on the same year 12th of May 2003 another fire broke up destroying what was left from the concert hall.

First pier to be listed Grade I
It is important to mention that the West Pier was the first historical seaside pier to be Grade I (one) listed that means that was of exceptional interest and ensures that the architectural and historic interest of the building must be carefully considered before any alterations, either outside or inside, are agreed.

Bringing history to life
“Bring history to life and to use technology to enhance preservation and scholarship in cultural heritage.” These are the main challenges for organizations like EPOCH (The European Network of Excellence on ICT Applications to Cultural heritage). Promote the cultural heritage of a place by using Information technology for educative and preservation purposes. Media technology can be used effectively as far as it concerns the cultural heritage 3d reconstructions.

Basis of the reconstruction project
The multimedia production of the architectural reconstruction of West Pier located in Brighton seafront  that do not exists  anymore, and the presentation of it by means of various visualization techniques can be found at www.3dwestpier.net . The project is based upon real life industrial and cultural heritage problem and research through history of West Pier, actual architectural plans, old photos, films and texts concerning Brighton’s essential cultural architectural monument.

Let’s hope for a restoration of this magnificent Pier….

I would love to get some feedback from you by email at georgiou_ropertos@hotmail.com

Enjoy!

Comments about this page

  • Thank you, Georgiou, for all your hard work!  I really enjoyed looking at these great pictures of the once magnificent West Pier.  I grew up in Brighton in the 50s and 60s and had forgotten just how interesting this splendid structure was.

    By Sylvia Schwarz (24/02/2008)
  • What a fantastic effort as it brings to life what was one of the most important piers in England.
    It’s sad to think that in a hundred years or so this once magnificent landmark will be no more and could have been restored for what I’m sure will be the price of a cup tea in generations to come.

    By Trevor Chepstow (25/02/2008)

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