On 28th October 2023, Ir Dr. Wallace Lai, Associate Head of LSGI, together with historians, archaeologists and geologist from multiple universities, launched the Soft Opening of the art-tech exhibition for Geo-Project 1941. As an event of the project "Unfolding the Lost WWII Heritage: Promotion of Geo-spatial and Geophysical Technologies", it took place at a Campsite “Camptopia” in Sheung Shui.
Led by LSGI, this project involves engagement of various stakeholders, such as collaboration with BU, HKU and CUHK, and support from 5 Bureau/Departments of HKSARG. Moreover, it is funded/sponsored by ITC (Innovation and Technology Commission), RILS (Research Institute for Land and Space), and Camptopia. All parties involved share a common vision: to maximize the publicity on historical interpretation, heritage conservation, STEAM education and exhibitions for the remembrance of the 80th anniversary of WWII in 2025.
Representing the start of a series of public engagement activities on the use of geo-spatial and geophysical technologies to promote an integrated art-tech approach, this soft opening attracted over 80 visitors from diverse backgrounds. Attendees ranged from professors, teachers, and war enthusiasts to pupils, with interests spanning across geo-science, history, and archaeology.
The event featured various art-tech exhibitions and experiential workshops, including a 4D CAVE that provided an immersive experience, transporting the audience back to the war zone in Hong Kong in 1941. Additionally, there were two archaeological test sites where workshop participants could engage in field archaeological excavation work following geophysical surveys. These exhibitions and workshops demonstrated how technologies can play a crucial role in historical interpretation, archaeological excavations, and forensic investigation.
Looking ahead to the coming event in the project until early 2025, we anticipate further collaborations between LSGI and diverse communities.
Project: Unfolding the lost WWII heritage: promotion of geo-spatial and geophysical technologies
Website: https://geo-project1941.com/
PI: Ir Dr. Wallace Lai, Associate Head of LSGI