One of the most recognizable Marshall University icons, the Memorial Student Center Fountain, pays homage to victims of the 1970 plane crash that killed 75 Marshall football players, coaches and athletic boosters.
Created by sculptor Harry Bertoia and dedicated in 1972, the 13-foot high, 6,500-pound work of art recently was named to the National Register of Historic Places. Bertoia said his hope was that the fountain would “commemorate the living — rather than death — on the waters of life, rising, receding, surging so as to express upward growth, immortality and eternality.”
Now, one of the university’s most photographed landmarks has been captured in full three-dimensional glory.
On a recent mild November day, engineers from the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) scanned the mammoth monument constructed of bronze and copper tubes using the latest advanced scanning technology.
MAMC’s Creaform mobile technology enabled the MAMC team to scan the fountain in a few hours, creating a highly accurate 3D-rendering that preserves Bertoia’s memorial in fine detail.
Marshall officials will be able to use the computer-aided-design file to generate accurate 3D replicas of the fountain or – should the need arise – create replacement parts.
“We are committed to excellence,” said Dave Traube, Marshall’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. “The fountain is such a visual representation of the Marshall spirit that it only makes sense that we want to portray it as accurately as possible with each use. The 3D rendering will allow us to do this.”
MAMC Director Derek Scarbro said his center’s scanning technology is some of the most advanced – and accurate – in central Appalachia. “Not only are our scanning systems highly accurate and capable of capturing the finest details and even colors, they are portable, which really is a game changer when you need to scan immovable objects like the Memorial Student Center Fountain.”
While MAMC’s scanners typically are used to reverse engineer industrial components or capture precise measurements for clients in industries such as automotive and aerospace, Scarbro said the fountain project highlights another practical application for the technology – and one that adds emotional heft to technological hardware.
“It’s a great showcase of the innovative technologies at MAMC,” Traube said. “This wasn’t even possible a few years ago, but now we don’t just scan simple items – we scan objects of historic importance.”
Dec. 16, 2024
