Collapsing Fortresses: Applying Digital Humanities to Redesign Medieval Iberia
Edward Triplett, an assistant professor of the practice at a renowned university, is revolutionising the study of medieval fortifications in Spain and Portugal through the use of digital technologies such as drones and 3D modeling. His groundbreaking research is not only advancing architectural history but also refining cartography and exemplifying the principles of digital humanities.
One of Triplett's favourite medieval castles is Calatrava la Nueva in La Mancha, Spain. This castle, designed to be the new headquarters of the Order of Calatrava, stands as a testament to centuries-long wars between Christian kingdoms in the north and Muslim-ruled territories in the south. The immobile stand-off between Calatrava la Nueva and another castle called Salvatierra symbolises the enduring conflicts that shaped medieval Iberia.
Triplett's work delves into the history of landscapes and the impact of fortified architecture on shaping these landscapes and borders. His research focuses on the transformation of Islamic castles and palaces during the "Reconquista" period, a significant era in the history of the Iberian Peninsula.
In his quest for knowledge, Triplett revisited a 16th-century manuscript known as "The Book of Fortresses," written by Duarte de Armas. This early modern manuscript features landscape drawings and architectural plans from impossible perspectives, suggesting that de Armas moved from hilltop to hilltop to create a composite image. Triplett's examination of this manuscript, aided by the resources available at the website, provided valuable insights into the methods used by medieval mapmakers.
Triplett's innovative approach intersects with architectural history by providing new insights into the design, evolution, and function of medieval fortifications. The digital reconstructions support architectural analyses that contribute to understanding stylistic developments and regional variations in fortification strategies in the Iberian Peninsula.
The use of drones facilitates aerial surveys and mapping, capturing complex layouts and topographies of fortifications from multiple angles. This contributes significantly to cartography by improving the accuracy and detail of maps related to medieval military architecture. The 3D models generated through these methods enable scholars to visualise the fortifications in their original contexts, revealing construction techniques, defensive features, and spatial relationships within and around the structures.
Triplett's work is situated within the broader framework of digital humanities, leveraging computational tools and digital visualisation to foster interdisciplinary research. This integration enhances accessibility, preservation, and educational outreach, allowing researchers and the public to engage with medieval heritage in innovative ways.
In his popular course, Creative Cartography: Art and Science, Culture and Nature, Triplett encourages students to look at the landscape-scale stories told by architectural gems and the implicit arguments made by historical maps. Students learn about iconography and how to make attractive maps that diverge from the 'default' templates that are largely governed by software. They use ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, analog drawing, and even 3D printing to experiment with form and function, creating maps that challenge perspectives and tell untold stories about people, places, and history.
The course concludes by inviting students to see themselves not just as researchers, but as artists, displaying their maps in an exhibit in the hallways of Smith Warehouse. This hands-on approach not only fosters creativity but also encourages students to engage deeply with the subject matter.
Triplett's work exemplifies how digital heritage initiatives can combine historical inquiry with technological advancement. His project, such as the "Book of Fortresses," is a testament to the power of innovation in academia, bridging the gap between art, history, and technology.
- Edward Triplett's innovative research in digital art history, focusing on medieval fortifications in Spain and Portugal, is not only advancing art history but also refining cartography, offering valuable insights into the methods used by medieval mapmakers.
- As an assistant professor, Triplett shares his expertise in digital technologies with students in his course, Creative Cartography: Art and Science, Culture and Nature, encouraging them to experiment with form and function, creating maps that challenge perspectives and tell untold stories.
- The faculty's commitment to research and education in visual studies, such as Triplett's work on digital art history, is exemplified by the integration of technology in courses like Creative Cartography, fostering interdisciplinary learning and accessibility to medieval heritage.
- In fields like art history and digital art history, research collaborations between faculty and students, supported by advanced technologies like drones and 3D modeling, are propelling significant advancements in the understanding of the transformation of fortified architecture throughout history, particularly during the Reconquista period in the Iberian Peninsula.
