Virtual Representations of Cultural Heritage: Sharable and Implementable Case Study to Be Enjoyed and Maintained by the Community

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are proving to be highly effective tools for both the preservation of cultural heritage and community engagement, particularly through digital-informed modeling approaches like Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM). A recent study demonstrates that these technologies can optimize traditional digital workflows while enabling non-experts—including ordinary users—to contribute to the maintenance and enjoyment of monuments. The research proposes a participatory strategy where user-generated content is integrated into evolving digital models, fostering active citizenship in heritage preservation. By focusing on the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy as a case study, the study highlights how VR/AR environments facilitate remote exploration and long-term community involvement, ensuring the memory of these sites is both accessible and dynamically maintained.

Bolognesi, C. M., & Fiorillo, F. (2023). Virtual Representations of Cultural Heritage: Sharable and Implementable Case Study to Be Enjoyed and Maintained by the Community. Buildings, 13(2), 410. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020410