Masjid Kampung Laut Virtual Reconstruction
Abstract
A virtual reconstruction of Masjid Kampung Laut (believed to be the oldest mosque in the Malay Archipelago) which enables users from all ages to explore & experience the golden moments of this ancient mosque via a specially designed educational/informative walkthrough system.
Target Audience
All ages
Goal
The first main purpose of reconstructing the virtual Masjid Kampung Laut is to provide users not only in Malaysia but as well as around the globe, an opportunity to experience an educational/informative walkthrough of the famous ancient mosque which is known or believed to be over 300 years old as well as the oldest mosque in the Malay Archipelago.
The second main purpose of this virtual reconstructing project is to be one of the first Interactive Virtual Masjid Kampung Laut walkthrough ever created as there are currently no records found of the existing same virtual mosque though it has been proposed before by the Department of Applied Arts and the Design Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design from the International Islamic University of Malaysia without any results.
Because the original mosque was built in a very poor foundation and was located just right next to the river bank, it was often strike by flash floods which is uncommon in Kelantan. Part of the mosque was destroyed by a great flood known as “Bah Air Merah” in 1926. The Malaysian History Society proposed that the mosque should be moved to a safer area away from the disintegrating riverbank after realizing the dangers posed by the location of the mosque, so in 1968, Masjid Kampung Laut was dismantled and reassembled at the grounds of the School of Islamic Studies at Nilam Puri and initiatives were taken to repair the damaged part of the mosque.
The mosque was lucky enough to survive the flood in the past, however it is best not to take any chances or risk again especially with unexpected earthquakes & tsunami occurring in places that it shouldn’t have. This is why we need to preserve as much physical & information in the virtual form while the mosque is still in good condition (after many efforts have been put into the restoration).
On the other hand, through this virtual application, people do not need to travel all the way to Kelantan to experience the mosque as the application can be set up at their local historical museums or exhibition.
The virtual application also enables the users to fully explore and interact within the interior & exterior space of the virtual Masjid Kampung Laut. Users will be able to interact with certain parts of the environment that will portray certain important historical facts and information in real time as well as fully 3D.
Objectives
- To provide a near immersive level without the use of complicated VR equipments such as a HMD (Head Mounted Display)
- To provide an almost realistic visual in order to fully experience the walkthrough
- To preserve an ancient national heritage
- To educate the younger generations regarding the architectural technique used during the construction of the mosque.
- To portray different information and historical facts as a virtual archive for the mosque.
- To allow the users to easily access and experience the Masjid Kampung Laut without actually being physically present there.
- To allow the users to explore and learn about the mosque
- To allow the users to understand the potential and power of Virtual Reality Technology in such field.
Benchmark
A Virtual Mosque in Second Life
Description
After the user enters into the virtual world, the user is able to navigate around either by walking, running and flying by using the keyboard and mouse. A pop out message will appear to guide the users on the navigational control system. Instructions would appear from time to time whenever the user approaches an object or area that is interact able, explaining and providing users certain key information as well as such as what action must be taken in order to activate certain reaction/feedback from the virtual world. Users are then able to click or just simply stand in certain areas in order to gain access to historical facts and archives of the Masjid Kampung Laut.
Interaction Description
- Users are able to navigate and explore within the area by using the arrow keys on the keyboard and mouse as well.
- Users are able to click on the windows and doors to open/close them. Each action would manipulate how the light shines into the mosque.
- Whenever the user approaches an object or area that is interact able, a small pop out message will appear in the screen to notify and guide them.
- Interactive information or historical facts icons would be integrated within the mosque itself. Users would be able to learn during the walkthrough process.
- Users are able to “fly” around the virtual world in order to provide different perspectives and views around the surrounding area.
- Proximity sensors would be placed at strategic points in order to activate certain audio feedback such as ambient sound.
