Beyond Boundaries: Augmented Reality's Role in Authentic Onsite Heritage Experiences

Description

This research explores the intersection of augmented reality (AR) technology, authenticity, and the enhancement of onsite heritage experiences. As the demand for authentic encounters with cultural and historical sites grows, AR emerges as a transformative tool capable of providing users with a more objective and immersive understanding of heritage.
The concept of authenticity has long been contested in both heritage conservation and cultural tourism studies. There exist a range of interpretations of what is authentic, parting from objective or object-based authenticity cantered on the material originality of the object and culminating in the most recent post-modernist views that see authenticity as an entirely subjective, individual experience. Once digital technologies are introduced into the equation, the concept of authenticity continues to expand, with questions arising as to the impact of digital reproductions, designs, and experiences on the authenticity of heritage sites and objects.
While the concept of authenticity has been extensively explored in both academia and practice, little research has been carried out to understand the intersection of these different concepts and how they relate to digital technologies. Past studies have primarily focused on the post-modernist perspective of authenticity when discussion digital surrogates and experiences. This research, in contrast, delves into how AR technologies can augment onsite experiences by seamlessly integrating digital overlays that offer a wider local context, thereby creating an existentialist perception of authenticity and potentially increasing the object-based authenticity of heritage sites.
Through case studies and practical examples, this research aims to showcase how AR can be effectively employed to create onsite heritage experiences that are both academically rigorous and engaging for diverse audiences. By leveraging AR, heritage sites can transcend physical constraints, enabling users to explore historical layers, artifacts, and narratives that are not immediately visible. This approach fosters a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the site's history, enhancing the overall authenticity of the experience. The discussion will also address the challenges associated with balancing authenticity and innovation in the development of AR applications for heritage sites.

Period	27 Jun 2024
Event title	Changing Cities: Spatial, Design, Landscape, Heritage and Socio-Economic dimensions
Event type	Conference
Conference number	VI
Location	Rhodes Island, GreeceShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International