Enhancing Cultural Heritage through the Integration of Digital Technologies, Arts and Story-telling

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Published: Aug 6, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26265/jiim.v9i1.38583
Keywords:
cultural heritage digital technologies arts story-telling integration
Polyxeni Mantzou
University of Ioannina, Department of Architecture, Greece
Xenofon Bitsikas
University of Ioannina, Department of Fine Arts & Art Science, Greece
Anastasios Floros
Democritus University of Thrace, Department of Architectural Engineering, Greece
Ioulia Papastavrou
University of Ioannina, Department of Fine Arts & Art Science, Greece
Aristeidis Panagiotidis-Diktampanis
University of Ioannina, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Greece
Abstract

Purpose - The paper presents the research done during the implementation of the Research Project “Centre for Research, Quality Analysis of Cultural Heritage Materials and Communication of Science” . 


Design/methodology/approach - In the first phase, archival and field research was conducted for various cultural sites in Epirus. In the second phase, state-of-the-art digitization techniques and advanced imaging technologies were employed to capture and document the places of interest. Finally, through artistic co-creating processes and game engine technology, story-telling scenarios were developed in AR and VR environments. This methodology enabled openness and flexibility throughout the process, and challenges faced during the project’s implementation were easily assessed.


Findings - The implementation of the chosen methodological approach and the findings underscore the impact that the integration of arts and digital technologies can have on Cultural Heritage preservation, representation, and promotion. The project’s findings highlight how digital media can become tools for interpreting and valorizing CH, offer novel experiences in a more inclusive and engaging way, and bridge the gap between art and technology, to preserve collective memory, enhance cultural identity, and deepen a sense of belonging.


Originality/value - The integration of digital technologies with artistic practices in Cultural Heritage (CH) offers new ways to represent and interpret content, changing how CH is perceived and experienced. While new media often focus on creating high-quality copies of cultural assets for safeguarding, this technical approach misses the opportunity to explore the complex relationships and concepts linked to their context. Digital media can be used intentionally to affect the significance and representation of content, becoming expressive and interpretative tools. By combining artistic practices and digital technologies, cultural assets -both tangible and intangible- can transform from passive objects into active agents, creating meaningful and engaging experiences.

Article Details
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  • Research Articles
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Author Biographies
Polyxeni Mantzou, University of Ioannina, Department of Architecture, Greece

Dr. Polyxeni Mantzou is a Dipl. Architect NTUA, PhD ETSAM, MSc ETSAM, and professor of architectural design and new technologies at the Department of Architecture, University of Ioannina. She has published articles and presented papers at congresses; she has published books. She has coordinated and participated in research projects, both national and European. She is an evaluator of national and European research projects. Her work has been awarded in architectural competitions, published, and exhibited. Her research interests are related to the theoretical comprehension and practical implementation of digital media in architectural and urban design and cultural heritage management.

Xenofon Bitsikas, University of Ioannina, Department of Fine Arts & Art Science, Greece

Dr. Xenofon Bitsikas is an artist, professor at the School of Fine Arts, University of Ioannina, and director of the School’s post-graduate program. Currently, he is Vice Rector of the University of Ioannina. He studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts. He completed postgraduate studies and his PhD at the School of Fine Arts, University Complutense of Madrid. His work has been awarded and exhibited in Greece and Europe and has been acquired by Museums and Private Collections. He has published papers in congress proceedings and reviews. He coordinates funded research projects and collaborates with Greek and European universities.

Anastasios Floros, Democritus University of Thrace, Department of Architectural Engineering, Greece

Anastasios Floros is a Dipl. Architect MArch, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece, holds a MArt from the University of Ioannina, Greece, and is currently a PhD candidate in architecture, D.U.TH. He has participated as a researcher in national and European research projects, and his research has been presented and published in conference proceedings and academic publications both in Greece and internationally. Additionally, his architectural work has received recognition through awards in architecture competitions and has been showcased in exhibitions. His primary research interests revolve around exploring the impact of digital media on architectural theory and practice.

Ioulia Papastavrou, University of Ioannina, Department of Fine Arts & Art Science, Greece

Dr. Ioulia Papastavrou is a Dipl. Architect, a graduate of Cardiff University and the School of Architecture N.T.U.A. She holds a PhD in the School of Fine Arts of the University of Ioannina and since 2022 she has joined the School's Postdoctoral Researchers. She has been the curator of the archive of the academician V. Kouremenos and her studies are published in collective volumes.

Aristeidis Panagiotidis-Diktampanis, University of Ioannina, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Greece

Aris Panagiotidis-Diktampanis is a software engineer with a bachelor’s in Computer Science. He is a postgraduate student in the “Data and Computer Systems Engineering” program of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Ioannina. He has been participating in funded cross-border research projects that promote Cultural Heritage since 2021.

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