(IN)TANGIBLE HERITAGE(S)

Abstract

This research works with WebXR as it provides the functionality needed to bring both augmented and virtual reality to the web, enabling humans to use hardware they likely already have in their pocket, their smartphone to create immersive spaces. Introducing Mozilla Hubs is an immersive social experience that is delivered through the web browser Hubs is built using web standards meaning instead of being linked to a specific piece of hardware, Mozilla runs on most mixed reality headsets, from high end industry standard to a cardboard viewer or smartphone. To build the virtual environment for Hubs Mozilla have kindly developed a web based online 3D scene editor called Spoke. In building an interface much like a games engine that can handle an array of file formats the process of building interactive WebXR spaces for cultural heritage is accessible to anyone with a smartphone. A key aim of this research is to demystify the complexity of working with games engines and develop workflows custom developed for working with tools already common place in digital heritage such as photogrammetry, 3D scanning and lidar. By leveraging the increasing affordances of games engines this research will work with tools already established in the area of digital heritage alongside new tools from immersive storytelling to ensure the virtual heritage outputs go beyond just reconstructions but have story embedded throughout and enable interactivity across a range of digital devices.