Title

Author(s)

András Timár

Affiliation

University of Pécs

DOI

https://doi.org/10.65686/MPOS1586

Keywords

Architectural History, Augmented Reality, Aquincum

PP

935-941

How to Cite

Timár, András. “Augmented Reality-Based Reconstructions in Historical Sites An Example from Aquincum.” In Proceedings of the International Conference on Adaptive Reuse. Volume 1, edited by Andrea Crudeli, Francesca Molle, and Emanuele Carrai, 935–941. Firenze: STH Press, 2026.

Abstract

The architectural heritage constitutes a vital expression of the cultural and historical continuity of communities. The stratification of historical layers permeates the entire built environment as a complex palimpsest of spatial and material narratives. In favourable circumstances, the physical preservation of historic buildings allows for direct, sensorial engagement with the architectural past. In less fortunate cases, the passage of time has reduced this legacy to fragmentary remains—foundation walls, isolated structural elements, and partial layouts. Lacking specialized knowledge in architectural geometry and historical typologies, most visitors are unable to translate these material traces into coherent spatial understanding, thus limiting their capacity for experiencing architectural space as it once was. By the 2020s, advances in interactive media technologies—particularly in real-time rendering and game engine development—have opened new avenues for architectural-historical reconstruction. These tools allow for immersive, spatially intelligible representations that extend beyond static illustrations and screens, enabling users to engage with reconstructed environments in situ through mobile and augmented reality platforms. These emerging methods enable the experiential presentation of architectural heritage without causing any physical intervention or damage to archaeological sites. They offer new tools to enrich museum pedagogy, enhance social inclusivity, and, consequently, foster greater cultural awareness among the public. In my paper I will demonstrate the theoretical reconstruction of the so called Peristyl House in the ancient roman town of Aquincum, today Budapest, developed as part of an ongoing architectural-historical investigation, along with its implementation as an augmented reality-based 3D model. The discussion addresses key methodological concerns related to the interpretation of fragmentary archaeological data, and reflects on the epistemological limits and potentials of analogy-driven reconstructions within architectural historiography.

Edited by
Andrea Crudeli
Francesca Molle
Emanuele Carrai

Publisher
STH Press, Firenze

ISBN Paperback – 9791281661141
ISBN Ebook – 9791281661158
DOI – https://doi.org/10.65686/SISY7263

Year
2026

Proceedings of
International Conference on Adaptive Reuse
hosted by The University of Pisa, Italy
15-19 September 2025, at the Gispoteca di Arte Antica dell’Università di Pisa.