Eternalising a Unique Construction in VR : Shek Kip Mei Park fountain in Hong Kong

A captivating fountain adorned with an artificial waterfall reflects the futuristic aspirations of a recent past with its pastel pink and light blue tiles, once framing splendid vistas on Kowloon and the Hong Kong Bay. However, the passage of time and the monsoons have taken a toll on this architectural marvel from the 1980s, leaving it in a state of decay. To preserve its legacy, a project is underway to create a digital replica – a digital twin. The project aims to capture the fountain’s dimensions and unique features using various techniques such as LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, and Gaussian splatting with an artistic approach. The project draws inspiration from the authors’ previous endeavours, such as the preservation of Singapore’s Yunnan Garden. The goal is to create an immersive artistic interpretation of the fountain, capturing its slow deterioration and transforming it into a virtual experience. The paper discusses the initial approach for the project, and explores the balance between preserving authenticity and artistic expression, working towards merging realistic representations with abstract point-cloud landscapes. Future plans include comprehensive dynamic elements, such as the subtle movement of visitors to bring the virtual environment to life. By meticulously incorporating these details, the project aims to deepen audience engagement and create a heightened sense of presence within the virtual landscape. Through innovative techniques and a blend of realism and abstraction, the objective is to safeguard the memory of the place in the face of change. © Reinhuber et al. Published by BCS Learning and Development Ltd.