IN-PERSON Barcelona. Section B
Abstract
The popularity, technical innovation, cultural significance, and visual qualities of a digital object are all valid assessment criteria for collecting. However, the meaning and significance of an information object are highly dependent on its spatial and temporal context. In the case of archaeological virtual reconstructions, information about the context of the creative design process (archaeological decisions made at that specific time) is also required to support the appropriate interpretation of a monument into a virtual reconstruction. This can be difficult since the value of digital assets may not be evident for a long time. For example, archaeological virtual reconstructions which had little perceived significance at the time of their creation, often come to have much greater importance for future generations. This paper suggests that the preferred preservation strategy for archaeological virtual reconstructions should be based on keeping the digital objects in as ‘original’ a format as possible, to preserve their cultural significance of that digital age (historic context), as well as the archaeological information that they contain. It argues, through the multiple narratives of the representatives of different designated communities, that the contextual metadata framework around a digital artefact should be augmented with an additional metadata field (i.e. the aesthetic value of a 3D object) that can influence the human perception of an archaeological monument. The paper concludes that the value of a virtual reconstruction is in the surrounding context, not just the 3D object itself.
Dr Panagiotis Papageorgiou is an Early Career Researcher at the School of Creative Technologies, University of Portsmouth, and a Senior Lecturer at the International College Portsmouth. His research lies at the intersection of digital preservation and virtual heritage. Dr Papageorgiou follows a breadth of enquiry around the preservation of, and universal access to, our virtual heritage.
Dr Brett Stevens is a Principal Lecturer, and Research and Innovation Lead for the School of Creative Technologies, University of Portsmouth. His research focuses on user interaction, with a particular interest in Augmented and Virtual Reality, Computer Games, Computer Animation, and physical interaction technologies for museums, libraries and other heritage organisations.
Claire Bailey-Ross is Associate Dean Academic at the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, University of Portsmouth. Bailey-Ross’ research takes place within the context of digital humanities and her work is highly interdisciplinary: ranging from the user experience of digital resources to broader debates surrounding the impact and value of digital innovation and technological change on audiences and institutions in cultural heritage environments.
Dr Tarek Teba is an Associate Professor in Architectural Heritage in School of Architecture, University of Portsmouth and the Chair for ICOMOS UK Digital Technology National Committee. Tarek’s research concerns the conservation of tangible and intangible heritage through creating the balance between contemporary values via community engagement and historic, aesthetic and cultural values. Tarek explores methodological approaches to preserve the cultural and contemporary social values embedded in heritage assets and cities. He uses community engagement and cultural mapping as an informing tool and virtual modelling and digital heritage approaches as a vehicle to deliver adaptation and development strategies.
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 16th July, 2024