Fourteenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

The emergence of technology and its universal proliferation has opened a Pandora’s box of possibilities. As technology rapidly emerges as a speedy and cost-effective way of conducting business and activities, it also increases the number of initiatives to transition to the virtual world. The internet promises to be a more economical, influential and global medium of culture and heritage preservation. The study evaluates the impact of the intersection of real and virtual spaces in the preservation of cultural heritage, the challenges and opportunities posed by transforming physical artefacts to virtual representations, examining how technology can enhance access, conservation, and experience. The study takes into consideration the possible effects on existing museums, archaeology, and cultural and heritage agencies, aiming to explore the evolving landscape where our rich history marries with the virtual realm. The result contributes to a comprehensive understanding of virtual spaces with respect to heritage preservation, and the potential of virtual spaces at the present time, and outlines theoretical, practical, and future research recommendations.