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Lessons from the field: Engaging communities in the virtual reconstruction of their past
Author(s)
Date Issued
2024
Citation
Cai, S., & Ch'ng, E. (29 May 2024). Lessons from the field: Engaging communities in the virtual reconstruction of their past. International Congress ‘Venice Charter [Re]Framed’, the University of Lisbon, Portugal.
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
This paper examines a case study employing Virtual Reality (VR) to reconstruct cultural heritage through localised narratives. While digital technologies can facilitate dissemination and enhance access to heritage resources, it is known that knowledge asymmetries between technical specialists and non-expert heritage stakeholders have the potential to undermine the latter's meaningful inclusion in heritage processes. In addressing the authenticity and integrity of information, this project worked with local communities as stakeholders in reconstructing and simulating a virtual model of their recent past. Our online surveys and offline visits to sites brought us to understand their memorable past and how participants have lived and collect photographic references for 3D reconstructions. 96 informants provided descriptive accounts of objects, environmental settings, memorable events and acquaintances from their past lives. Their shared memories were then transposed into a virtual environment that allows free interaction and navigation via headsets and controllers. 21 locals with past memories of
the site were invited to experience an early pilot version, and their feedbacks on authentic representations were gathered.
Our findings indicated that the virtual reconstruction developed through this communitycentred approach has the ability to imbue users with a sense of reality and the dynamism of a living past. In our summary conclusion, this article reflects on the challenges that may arise in works that attempts to synthesise and translate pluralised and textual memory accounts into cohesive and embodied virtual worlds. Lessons learned here can provide recommendations in terms of how participatory approach can foster inclusionary practices, and community input in cultural heritage digitisation projects that carries an intangible cultural aspect.
Our findings indicated that the virtual reconstruction developed through this communitycentred approach has the ability to imbue users with a sense of reality and the dynamism of a living past. In our summary conclusion, this article reflects on the challenges that may arise in works that attempts to synthesise and translate pluralised and textual memory accounts into cohesive and embodied virtual worlds. Lessons learned here can provide recommendations in terms of how participatory approach can foster inclusionary practices, and community input in cultural heritage digitisation projects that carries an intangible cultural aspect.
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