Development of a 3D Online System for Comparative Study of Architectural Elements in Thai Stupas

Understanding architectural names and semantics is essential for studying historical sites. New educational media in 3D and 2D formats, available online and offline, supports this by using specific buildings to illustrate shapes, positions, and proportions along with names and semantics. This approach works well for initial education, but in-depth study requires comparing architectural elements to identify similarities and differences. Today, comparative learning is recognized as an effective method for enhancing understanding. Therefore, this research focuses on developing a 3D online system for studying the names and semantics of architectural elements in Thai stupas and their architectural elements. The system features a multi-dimensional database and a real-time interactive online interface. It includes the ability to simultaneously view and compare up to three stupa models, enhancing comparative analysis and facilitating a comprehensive understanding of architectural variations. The system is tested using stupas from the Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Parks to help users appreciate Thai historical sites better. The developed system has been evaluated through teaching experiments, revealing that comparative learning deepens students' understanding. They can predict the names of stupa components, even if they have never seen that particular stupa before, by using the similarities or differences in elements as preliminary information to guess the semantics. Students who participated in the comparative interface were also able to improve their knowledge retention compared to learning with a single 3D interface.