Pam Graves (Durham University; c.p.graves@durham.ac.uk), Kate Giles (University of York; kfg103@york.ac.uk) and Anthony Masinton (University of York; awm106@york.ac.uk)

Computer visualization of past environments is of growing significance in academia, education broadly, and the heritage industry. The re-creation, and re-inhabitation of archaeological sites, buildings and landscapes of all periods and places through the application of 3-dimensional computer visualization and aspects of computer gaming design has moved the concept of the site reconstruction far beyond a static image. Computer visualization offers huge potential, particularly in the understanding of the interaction of e.g. architectural space, 3-dimensional decorative schemes and historically-specific theories of vision, acoustics. This opens new avenues for the understanding of and human practice, including in the application of theories of agency, in archaeological contexts. However, it also risks profound limitations if not continually critiqued from the point of view of both academic rigour and accessibility –areas of concern explored in current literature.

This TAG session will explore ways in which current and nascent projects are developing the research and public access potential of computer visualization, and seeking to overcome perceived limitations. Projects pioneered by the University of York on medieval architectural spaces and religious institutions amongst others will be presented, together with new collaborative projects being generated to research the construction of religious meaning and subjectivities in e.g. the application of the liturgical Use of York in York parish churches, and (with Durham University) the Rites of Durham in Durham Cathedral on the eve of the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the mid-16th century AD. This session is sponsored by the Society for Medieval Archaeology.