1 An Update on the Virtual Reconstruction of Synagogues in the City of Vienna Bob Martens (Vienna University of Technology, Austria) – b.martens@tuwien.ac.at Abstract—This paper describes the reconstruction work in progress on Viennese Synagogues. The related project activities started in 1998, and all major temples have been reconstructed since then. The paper outlines the utilization of this research work in the form of a city guide, thus potentially reaching a wider audience. Furthermore, the idea to present the information in such a context led to a specific processing and delivery format. Key Words—Virtual reconstruction, cultural heritage, synagogue, city guide, Jewish sacred buildings. I. INTRODUCTION In 1998, the virtual reconstruction of the synagogue in the Viennese Neudeggergasse represented the groundbreaking step for a project that turned out to be much more comprehensive than expected. The interim results have been published at CAAD-related conferences [1]-[3]. It has already been reported, how the modeling procedures were set out and also the peculiarities concerning the available data stemming from building plans and photographic recorded information. Though the buildings themselves were destroyed, it is remarkable to note that the approved building plans are still archived. Though photography existed already during the erection of the buildings, the information depicted on photographs only covers a part of the building in most cases (Fig. 1). Especially (detailed) interior views are often missing as well as ubiquitous information on colors and materials used. In such cases, the gap of information is closed by a plausible interpretation, which also reflects the possibilities of handling a building construction around 1900. The synagogues have been in existence for some decades as physical building. Although the building itself is not “alive”, bits and pieces can be assembled to enhance the level of plausibility. The final outcome (renderings, animations, rapid prototyped models etc.) makes it possible to form a mental picture of the structures. Fig. 1. Courtyard situation – Synagogue in Schmalzhofgasse.