In the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City stands as a testament to China’s rich architectural heritage. Among its many treasures, Yangxin Hall, a classical timber structure, faces the same challenges as many historic buildings worldwide: the relentless march of time and the delicate balance between preservation and public access. Enter Dr. S. Yuan, a researcher from the Department of Architecture at Tianjin University, who is pioneering a digital approach to conserve and interpret these cultural gems.
Dr. Yuan’s research, recently 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), introduces an integrated framework that combines Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) with Virtual Reality (VR) and WebVR technologies. This innovative approach aims to revolutionize how we document, manage, and engage with our architectural heritage.
The crux of Dr. Yuan’s work lies in the synergy between HBIM and VR. HBIM serves as a digital twin of the physical structure, creating a comprehensive dataset that includes geometric, material, and historical information. This data is then used to build immersive VR experiences, allowing users to explore and interact with the heritage site from anywhere in the world. “HBIM provides the foundational data for VR, and WebVR expands accessibility on portable devices,” Dr. Yuan explains. “This integration allows us to overcome barriers to audience engagement and support sustainable value transmission.”
The potential commercial impacts of this research are significant, particularly in the energy sector. As buildings become smarter and more energy-efficient, the detailed data provided by HBIM can inform retrofitting projects, reducing energy consumption and costs. Moreover, the immersive VR experiences can serve as powerful tools for stakeholder engagement, helping to secure buy-in for green initiatives and sustainable practices.
Dr. Yuan’s framework was tested on Yangxin Hall, a case study that demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing heritage conservation and public engagement. User experience surveys validated the framework, paving the way for similar projects in the future. As Dr. Yuan notes, “This study offers a reference for other heritage sites, not just in China but around the world.”
The integration of HBIM and VR technologies represents a significant step forward in the field of heritage conservation. By making heritage sites more accessible and engaging, this approach can foster a deeper appreciation for our cultural heritage and drive sustainable development. As Dr. Yuan’s research shows, the future of heritage conservation lies in the digital realm, where technology and tradition converge to create new possibilities for preservation and engagement.