2023-10-11 –, News Room
While uncertainties in the accuracy of cultural heritage representations have long been recognised, their significance and urgency become amplified in the development of immersive 3D experiences. Issues arise due to missing or incomplete historical records, differing interpretations, and the limitations of available technology. This session delves into the challenges posed by these uncertainties and emphasises the need for effective strategies.
Two contrasting projects will be examined to highlight different approaches. The Discovery Tour in the video game Assassin's Creed showcases how a large gaming company leverages substantial resources to create immersive experiences that entertain and educate. Ubisoft not only employs historians, but also cooperates with McGill University to provide teachers around the globe with learning material. In contrast, the “Augusta Raurica AR Experience”, developed by Augusta Raurica, demonstrates how a small cultural heritage institution employs interactive storytelling through Augmented Reality to engage visitors.
By analysing these examples, this session will examine the strengths and limitations of each approach and provide insights into managing uncertainties in 3D applications. It will emphasise the importance of transparency, providing contextual information and promoting critical thinking. The aim is to inspire cultural heritage institutions to adopt strategies that balance engagement, entertainment, and historical accuracy in their immersive applications, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our shared cultural heritage.
This presentation invites participants to consider the complexities of managing uncertainties in 3D cultural heritage experiences and encourages the adoption of strategies that align with the goals and resources of their respective institutions.
Béatrice Gauvain completed her Masters in Art History and Image Theory at the University of Basel, specialising in the mediality of sacred objects. She collaborated on exhibition projects and further pursued her interest in curation when she joined the Kunstmuseum Winterthur in 2019. Working closely with the curators, she became aware of the challenges of transitioning collections into the digital space. As PhD candidate and teaching assistant at the Digital Humanities Lab, she focuses on digital collections, in particular knowledge management and curation.