Digital Storytelling in Heritage

Schnabel, M. A. (Invited speaker)

Design School

Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk

Description

Digital technologies are transforming cultural heritage from something we document and preserve into something we can experience, interpret and communicate in new ways. This keynote explores digital storytelling as a bridge between heritage documentation, spatial experience and cultural meaning. Drawing on research and practice in immersive environments, XR and digital heritage, it examines how 3D data and digital representations can become more than accurate records, forming the basis for engaging and situated narratives. In the context of Suzhou’s layered cultural landscapes, the talk considers how emerging technologies can support new ways of experiencing heritage while retaining its cultural specificity, authenticity and human meaning.

Period	4 Sept 2026
Event title	XJTLU-CIPA XR Heritage Summer School 2026
Event type	Course
Location	Suzhou, ChinaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International

Keywords

Heritage
Digital Storytelling
Architecture
Urban design
XR
VR
cultural heritage
Industrial heritage

Documents & Links

The XR Heritage Summer School 2026 is an intensive, practice-led program that explores how emerging technologies — particularly Extended Reality (XR), 3D documentation, and digital storytelling — are reshaping the way we understand, interpret, and communicate cultural heritage. Set in the historic city of Suzhou, alongside the Grand Canal and its layered architectural landscapes, the program brings together international students, researchers, and practitioners in architecture, design, heritage studies, and computational media. Participants will move through a complete workflow, from on-site heritage observation and data acquisition to digital asset creation, and finally to XR experience design and narrative prototyping. The summer school is organized by XJTLU in collaboration with CIPA Heritage Documentation.