Empathy in Point Clouds: Spatial Analysis and Storytelling through Immersive Technologies (EIPC) coordinates an interdisciplinary research program that integrates LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and photogrammetry, 3D point-cloud data captured from artifacts, buildings, urban environments, and landscapes that are animated through the gaming platform and advanced 3D creation tool, Unreal Engine (UE), to develop empathic, inclusive spatial narratives through immersive interfaces.
EIPC focuses on building skillsets in a structured context that contributes to EIPC projects. Working collaboratively to learn and apply the skillsets is required. The current large projects include collaboration with the Saginaw Chippewa tribe of Michigan documenting Mt. Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School (MIIBS) and with a team of archaeologists in Teotihuacan documenting one of the most significant archaeological finds in Mesoamerica of the 21st century.
EIPC is primarily looking for students with game development background, basic coding skills (Python, C++) and some familiarity with Unreal Engine. Students who are familiar with the practice of navigating platforms and collaborating with others to learn programs, create, test, and refine workflows, and problem solve for data transformation and data integration are welcome to apply!
Skills: Blender, Python, C++, Reality Capture, Unreal Engine, surveying techniques, photography, videography, HTML, ReCap Pro, AutoCAD, Adobe CC, Rhino, Cloud Compare
Interest in 3D laser terrestrial scanning, aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry, 2D and 3D data management, website construction, building a database, interest in data management, and video editing and production.
Students apply to a specific role on the team as follows:
Photogrammetry & LiDAR Specialists (2 Students)
Preferred Skills: photography or photogrammetry, willingness to learn to use the 3D terrestrial scanner and associated software.
Likely Majors/Minors: ARCH, CE, CEE, CS, MSE, ROB, SEAS
VR Programmer, Game Developer (2 Students)
Preferred Skills: UE5, C++, Python, Blender
Likely Majors/Minors: ARCH, CE, CS, ROB
Videographer (1 Student)
Preferred Skills: Videography, filmmaking, storyboarding
Likely Majors/Minors: ARTDES, FTVM
Website & Database Construction (1 Student)
Preferred Skills: HTML, data management
Likely Majors/Minors: CS, SI, DS
Faculty Project Lead
Dawn Gilpin is lecturer IV in Architecture at the University of Michigan, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning where she teaches architecture design studio with a focus on methods of visualizing design ideas and spatial narratives through immersive technologies. Gilpin teaches a course in 3D terrestrial laser scanning certification with an introduction to photogrammetry and Unreal Engine. Supported by a corporate partnership with FARO Technologies, she is co-director of the (EIPC) Scan Lab in collaboration with Robert Adams, associate professor in Architecture.
Since 2020, she has led the UARTS FEAST (Faculty Engineering/Arts Students Teams): Empathy in Point Clouds: Design Ideas and Storytelling through Immersive Technologies, a multi-disciplinary research team that develops and refines methods and workflows specific to data collection and integration of immersive technologies.
Gilpin received her M. Arch from Southern California Institute of Architecture, working in firms in Los Angeles, New York City, and Minneapolis. Gilpin’s 2016 Wallenberg Studio, “The Radical and The Preposterous: Mind the Gap”, won one of six ARCHITECT Studio Prizes, a national award recognizing exceptional design projects in architectural education. Gilpin is honored to be a multiple-year recipient of the Donna Salzer Award for Teaching Excellence.
Students: 6
Likely Majors/Minors: ARCH, ARTDES, CE, CEE, CS, DS, FTVM, MSE, ROB, SEAS, SI
Meeting Details: TBD
Application: This project requires applicants to include link(s) to your portfolio, work samples, or other website(s) in the personal statement portion of your application to share work you would like considered as part of your submission.
Summer Opportunity: Summer research fellowships may be available for qualifying students.
Citizenship Requirements: This project is open to all students on campus.
IP/NDA: Students who successfully match to this project team will be required to sign an Intellectual Property (IP) Agreement prior to participation.
Course Substitutions: CoE Honors