Virtual reconstruction of Wanfoge in Beijing Zhihua Temple

The reassembly and restoration of discrete heritage elements within their original installation context pose significant challenges. This study focuses on utilizing hybrid digital technologies to virtually restore the separated Wanfoge (Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion) Zhihua Temple (Temple of Transforming Wisdom). Specifically, the coffered ceiling section from Wanfoge was dismantled in the early 20th century and subsequently sold and dispersed overseas. Our research goal is to digitally restore the original cultural appearance of the heritage and to provide a more comprehensive and in-depth interpretation and presentation of this significant architectural cultural heritage. Traditional 3D scanning and virtual assembly methods are inadequate for reconstructing this site, as the ceiling is an intricate wooden assembly with many components that cannot be directly scanned without disassembly. Additionally, a systematic analysis and reconstruction of the numerous missing decorative elements are required. This study introduced an innovative approach to reconstruct the missing 3D information of the ceiling and analyzed its original architectural installation context. We first introduced an innovative approach by utilizing camera pose reconstruction and historical image projection to guide the restoration and modeling process with accurate dimensions and positioning. Next, we used polygon Boolean operations to precisely cut and reconstruct the structural assemblies. Finally, we reinstalled the reconstructed 3D models into their original architectural context within a virtual environment. This study reveals that the construction sequence of the Zhihua Temple ceiling follows a bottom-up, pyramid-like structure. In reconstructing historical architectural scenes, the Camera Pose Reconstruction method allows for more precise positioning and modeling using historical photographs. The interior spatial layout of Wanfoge is characterized by a distinctly centralized design.