In the ever-evolving landscape of cultural heritage preservation, a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Wei Liu from the Politecnico di Milano’s Department of Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering (ABClab-GICARUS) is bridging the gap between technology and public engagement. The research, published in the International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences—known in English as the International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences—explores how Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) can be transformed into an immersive, gamified experience through Virtual Reality (VR), making cultural heritage more accessible and engaging for the public.
Historically, HBIM has been a powerful tool for digitally documenting and conserving cultural heritage, offering unparalleled precision and archival value. However, its complexity and static nature have often limited its reach to non-expert users. “While HBIM excels in technical applications, it often remains inaccessible to the broader public, missing out on its potential for education and outreach,” Dr. Liu explains. This is where VR and Serious Games (SGs) come into play. By integrating gamification—applying game-design elements to non-game contexts—into VR environments, researchers aim to create compelling virtual heritage experiences that are both educational and entertaining.
The study is structured into three key parts: analyzing gamification approaches in cultural heritage and their impact on behavior and usability; conducting a bibliometric analysis of current research on HBIM-based VR for SGs; and addressing critical questions regarding tools used, game design dimensions, conveyed knowledge, project goals, effectiveness, and future directions. This comprehensive approach highlights the potential of VR and gamification to transform how we interact with cultural heritage.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. As the industry increasingly embraces digital twins and immersive technologies for training, maintenance, and public engagement, the lessons learned from this research could pave the way for more effective and engaging applications. Imagine VR simulations that not only train workers in complex procedures but also educate the public on sustainable energy practices, all within an immersive, gamified environment.
Dr. Liu’s research underscores the importance of making complex data accessible and engaging. “By leveraging VR and gamification, we can transform static datasets into dynamic, interactive experiences that captivate and educate,” she says. This shift could revolutionize how industries like energy communicate with stakeholders, from employees to the general public.
As the field of cultural heritage preservation continues to evolve, the integration of HBIM with VR and gamification offers a promising path forward. Dr. Liu’s work not only advances our understanding of these technologies but also sets the stage for innovative applications across various sectors. The future of cultural heritage preservation—and indeed, many other fields—lies in making the complex accessible, the static dynamic, and the technical engaging. And with research like this, we are well on our way.