A virtual tour of Lady Liberty

Summary

Architect Paul Davidson and his team conducted a groundbreaking laser scan of the Statue of Liberty, capturing its interior in unprecedented detail. The data collected during these scans has been transformed into a virtual tour, allowing online visitors to explore areas typically inaccessible. The tour, launched during the statue's COVID-19 closure, offers a 360-degree experience, including the torch and arm. This high-tech blueprint serves multiple purposes, from research to potential reconstruction, and highlights the statue's historical significance as a symbol of democracy and freedom.

Takeaways

• 🗽 The Statue of Liberty is currently closed to visitors due to COVID-19, but a virtual tour has been created for those who cannot visit in person.
• 👨‍🔬 Architect Paul Davidson and his team spent ten nights conducting a laser scan of the Statue of Liberty's interior, capturing areas usually inaccessible to tourists.
• 🕗 The laser scanning took place during the late hours from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. when the statue was not crowded with tourists.
• 🌐 The virtual tour offers 360-degree views, allowing users to explore areas like the torch and the arm of the statue, which are typically off-limits.
• 🏗 The statue's flexible support system, designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, allows it to sway, which was a challenge for the team during the scanning process.
• 📊 The laser scan data serves as a high-tech three-dimensional blueprint, useful for research, reconstruction, and even potential alterations for social distancing.
• 🏛 The National Park Service's historic American building survey includes the documentation of the Statue of Liberty, with the new virtual tour being a part of this project.
• 🔍 The laser scanning was challenging due to the statue's constant movement, which is a feature of its design to withstand winds and other environmental factors.
• 🌐 The virtual tour is a new way to experience the Statue of Liberty, but the physical presence of visitors is irreplaceable for the full experience, as noted by Davidson.
• ⏳ The statue has been a symbol of democracy, freedom, and liberty for over 130 years, and the virtual tour allows people to connect with its history in a new way.

Q & A

What was the purpose of architect Paul Davidson's ten-night stay inside the Statue of Liberty?

Architect Paul Davidson and his team conducted a first-of-its-kind laser scan of the Statue of Liberty to capture its interior, which is usually crowded with tourists during the day.

Why was the Statue of Liberty closed during Davidson's work?

The Statue of Liberty was closed to all visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided an opportunity for Davidson to work on the statue without the usual crowds.

What is the significance of the virtual tour created from Davidson's laser scan data?

The virtual tour allows people who cannot visit the statue in person to explore it online, including areas that are traditionally off-limits to tourists, offering a unique 360-degree view.

What challenges did Davidson's team face during the laser scanning process?

The biggest challenge was the constant movement of the statue, which swayed due to wind and was not static, making it difficult to conduct an accurate laser scan.

Who designed the flexible support system of the Statue of Liberty?

The flexible support system of the Statue of Liberty was designed by French architect Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, who is also known for the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Why was the Statue of Liberty considered a triumph of engineering when it was dedicated in 1886?

When the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in 1886, it was the highest structure in New York City, showcasing advanced engineering techniques and instantly becoming an international icon.

What is the purpose of the laser scan data beyond creating the virtual tour?

The laser scan data serves as a high-tech three-dimensional blueprint that can be used for research, reconstruction, and even alterations for social distancing measures if needed.

How does the physical presence of visitors contribute to the experience of the Statue of Liberty, according to Davidson?

Davidson points out that the physical presence of visitors enlivens the space, with their circulation and interactions contributing to the history and feel of the statue over 130 years.

What is the difference between a virtual visit and being there in person, as mentioned by Davidson?

While a virtual visit is nice, it is no substitute for the real thing. The physical presence of visitors and their interactions with the statue create a unique experience that cannot be replicated online.

How might the experience of touring the Statue of Liberty change once it reopens?

Tours of the Statue of Liberty's tight interior spaces will likely be done differently when it reopens, possibly with modifications for social distancing and other safety measures.