Branimir Kolarek
Research Assistant & Visual Communications Designer
I am a research assistant at the Centre for Informatics and Computing, Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb, and a teaching assistant at the University North. My research combines high-performance computing, 3D photogrammetry, and artificial intelligence to advance digital cultural heritage preservation — from creating high-resolution 3D models of historic monuments to developing AI frameworks for fresco analysis and restoration.
Before turning to science, I spent nearly two decades working in graphic design and visual communications — creating identities, publications, exhibitions, and campaigns. That background in visual thinking is not something I left behind; it shapes how I approach computational problems today. Understanding how images work — their structure, their meaning, their material history — is precisely what drew me to the intersection of technology and cultural heritage.
Research
My work sits at the convergence of computational infrastructure and cultural heritage. I use supercomputers and machine learning to solve problems that are fundamentally visual — reconstructing damaged frescoes, digitizing fragile monuments, and rethinking how scientific knowledge is published and preserved.
3D Photogrammetry & Cultural Heritage
Creating high-resolution 3D models of historic structures using HPC-accelerated photogrammetry pipelines. My work includes the Small Fountain of Onofrio in Dubrovnik and comprehensive studies on energy efficiency in photogrammetric processing.
AI-Driven Fresco Analysis
Developing two-phase AI frameworks for fresco analysis and digital restoration, including non-invasive methods for hidden layer detection in heritage paintings. This work bridges art conservation with deep learning.
Digital Scientific Publishing
Investigating blockchain-based approaches to academic publishing transparency through the DAP concept, and working on improving accessibility within the EBSI network.
Selected Publications
- A Two-Phase AI Framework for Fresco Analysis and Digital Restoration
- 3D Photogrammetry as a Complementary Non-Invasive Method for Hidden Layer Detection in Heritage Paintings
- High-Performance Computing as an Accelerator for 3D Photogrammetry in Heritage Conservation
- Energy Efficiency in Photogrammetry: A Comparative Analysis of Dataset, Hardware, and Resolution Effects in Agisoft Metashape
- Applying Advanced Computational Infrastructure in Creating a High-Resolution 3D Model of the Small Fountain of Onofrio
- Cultural Heritage on HPC — Creating High Resolution 3D Models Using Photogrammetry Cited 1
- Exploring Potential Therapeutic Combinations for Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer Using Supercomputers: A Proof of Concept Study Cited 2
- Improving Transparency and Accessibility in the Academic Publication Process on EBSI Network
- Prospects of Digital Scientific Publishing on Blockchain: The Concept of DAP Cited 4
- The Core Challenges of a Trustworthy AI for Digital Fresco Restoration
Full list available on Google Scholar.
Teaching
I serve as a teaching assistant (naslovni asistent) at the University North, within the Graduate University Study of Multimedia. My courses focus on the theory and practice of contemporary photographic production.
Digital Photographic Production 1
An introductory course covering fundamental concepts of modern photographic production — from historical practices to contemporary techniques including HDR, panoramic photography, 3D photography, macro, drone, studio, and product photography. Students develop skills in graphic and software tools for image processing.
Learning outcomes: Evaluate photographic production processes and historical developments; design complex photographic techniques; select appropriate image editing tools; create complex photographic productions; assess quality; critically evaluate media content.
Digital Photographic Production 2
An advanced course developing competencies in the theoretical and practical processes of contemporary photographic production, with a focus on creative and artistic work. Topics include photographic semantics and syntax in media, creative techniques in artistic production, mobile communications, and planning complex photographic projects.
Learning outcomes: Plan and prepare complex photographic projects for multimedia systems; apply image editing and AI software tools; evaluate the quality of photographic production and artistic achievements; create independent and group advertising projects.
Visual Communications
For nearly twenty years I worked as a graphic designer and visual communications specialist — a member of ULUPUH, the Croatian Association of Artists of Applied Arts. The projects below represent a selection of that work across brand identity, editorial design, exhibition design, and packaging.
Complete portfolio at design.0903.studio.