Reconstructing ancient architecture at Tiwanaku, Bolivia: the potential and promise of 3D printing

A novel approach using 3D printing has revealed fresh insights into the reconstruction of Tiwanaku's Pumapunku, a pre-Colombian architectural marvel looted during the colonial era. By digitizing and scaling down historic measurements of shattered stone blocks, researchers created tactile 3D models that allowed for intuitive testing of fragment fits. This hands-on methodology uncovered unexpected connections among the fragments, offering new perspectives on the site's original design. The study demonstrates the potential of 3D printing to transform centuries-old documentation into actionable research tools, benefiting both scholars and indigenous site managers.

Vranich, A. (2018). Reconstructing ancient architecture at Tiwanaku, Bolivia: the potential and promise of 3D printing. Heritage Science, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-018-0231-0