Michèle Smith

Visualising an ancient reality in the virtual world

Spatial artist Michèle Smith had her sights set on creating immersive museum exhibits. Now this University of the Witwatersrand PhD candidate is giving virtual life to something altogether more spectacular.

She was “fortunate”, Smith says, that her initial ambition coincided with her mother, the late palaeoanthropologist Dr Sue Dykes, completing her PhD studies at Wits’s Evolutionary Studies Institute. This led to a visit to the Sterkfontein caves and a meeting with Professor Dominic Stratford, research coordinator at the caves – and a whole new direction for her.

Not surprisingly, her role models are her mother and fellow palaeoanthropologist Professor Francis Thackeray, “as they encouraged the project I am working on”.

The project in question is visualising a deep underground chamber in the Sterkfontein caves, Milner Hall, with 3D software, using true-to-life textures to create an immersive exhibit along the Cradle of Humankind tourist route.

“We scanned the Milner Hall, tessellated it [created surfaces from points], retopologised [made it suitable for high-resolution textures to be applied] and textured it. The results have rendered successfully and we can see many applications and further research for this model. Currently, data points [fossils, speleothem samples, etc.] are being placed in relation to the fully visualised virtual Milner Hall,” she says.

The Cradle of Humankind provides the entire world with a rich – and accessible – resource for exploring the mysteries of human existence, Smith says.

“The Cradle of Humankind gives us robust, tangible and plentiful evidence for the evolution of our species in the context of the long history of our planet. It is a place that people can come to, to connect with their scientific heritage, to meditate on existential questions while surrounded by their community.

“It is significant not only in itself but as part of the global library of evidence, aiding us all in determining our past with greater clarity,” Smith says.

Her work has given Smith the opportunity to experience the Sterkfontein caves in ways that few others have.

“On a number of occasions, I have been able to be in the caves, basically alone. This has given me a greater appreciation for the place, and how that relates to its significance. I also find working with a virtual model of the Milner Hall very exciting, as it really helps me understand the literature and the scientists’ experiences at Sterkfontein more deeply,” Smith says.

“Being able to see the entire data set in one place virtually, with the knowledge acquired by being present at the site, I have pieced together a vivid story of the Cradle of Humankind, and for that I am very grateful.”