Reviving Europe's Architectural Heritage: The CoVHer Project’s Standards for 3D Digital Reconstructions

The CoVHer project aimed to enhance digital documentation and study of lost or unbuilt European Architectural Cultural Heritage (CH) by establishing standards for scientifically accurate 3D reconstructions. Addressing the lack of clear guidelines, CoVHer distinguished credible reconstructions from amateur models, improving quality, transparency, and accessibility in Computer-based Visualisation of Cultural Heritage (CVCH). Bringing together five universities, two companies, museums, and municipalities, the project developed a collaborative framework aligned with international standards, including the UNESCO Charter on Digital Heritage and FAIR principles. Key objectives included setting model construction standards, ensuring source traceability, promoting accessibility, and advancing scientifically grounded visualisation techniques. A significant outcome was the creation of an Open Access platform, a dedicated repository for vanished or unbuilt European architectural heritage. This platform enabled scholars to share and critically assess 3D models with complete source documentation while also offering the public valuable insights into historical sites. CoVHer also had an educational impact, launching a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to train students and the public in virtual reconstruction methodologies. This MOOC addressed digital skills gaps in higher education, providing accessible training in 3D modelling best practices, quality evaluation, and historical visualisation. By fostering collaboration, education, and accessibility, CoVHer strengthened cultural identity through innovative digital learning, ensuring that Europe’s lost architectural heritage remains part of collective knowledge.