In celebration of South Bend’s 150th anniversary, the Hesburgh Libraries’ Architecture Library and Center for Digital Scholarship, in collaboration with the School of Architecture, Center for Research Computing, History Museum of South Bend and Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, developed an online resource that explores South Bend’s history through architecture.
Utilizing interactive technology, “Building South Bend: Past, Present & Future” documents, describes and presents the historical architecture and neighborhoods of South Bend, Indiana.
This unique tool offers historical images, blueprints and documents along with interactive maps and 3-D models. Building South Bend was an interdisciplinary, community-wide project with many facets, including: a website and research portal, mobile application, 3-D printed models with a physical exhibit, and an immersive 3-D virtual tour of downtown South Bend in the 1920s.
The resource made its debut at South Bend’s 150th anniversary “Birthday Bash” Celebration, and the 3-D printed tabletop model of 1920s South Bend was displayed at the History Museum of South Bend during the summer months.
In support of the highly visible 150th anniversary of the founding of South Bend, the Notre Dame team used their scholarly expertise along with state-of-the-art digital tools and technologies to highlight the rich history of our community in a unique and innovative way.
The project literally and virtually transformed our community history into an engaging and interactive learning experience (buildingsouthbend.nd.edu). The Building South Bend team brought the history of South Bend to life and added to the community where the University of Notre Dame thrives.
To read the November issue of ND Works, please visit news.nd.edu.