What is it about?
The research investigates the application of Virtual Reality (VR) in reinterpreting a classical depiction of Suzhou, China, as depicted in an 18th-century handscroll painting titled "Prosperous Suzhou". By creating a three-dimensional immersive virtual environment, the study aims to enhance the understanding and experience of heritage landscapes that now only exist in ancient idealized paintings. Through the use of VR technology, the research seeks to aid in the interpretation of ancient principles related to the harmony of human inhabitation, the built forms, and their surrounding landscape. By integrating other historical information such as poems and travel notes, the VR environment aims to embed intangible cultural aspects into the recreated landscapes. The immersive and interactive virtual reality environment enhances the user experience by providing a firsthand journey through the designed space, thus allowing users to gain a greater understanding of the tangible and intangible heritage associated with the scholar garden as a landscape design form and of the specific Suichu Garden, an important example of lost heritage for Suzhou.
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Why is it important?
The research is important as it offers a novel approach to unlocking and experiencing the lost heritage of Suzhou through immersive virtual reality environments. By reinterpreting an ancient handscroll painting into a three-dimensional virtual space, the study aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of Suzhou's historical landscapes, which may no longer exist in their original form. This approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also provides an interactive and educational platform for users to delve into the tangible and intangible aspects of the ancient city, fostering a deeper connection with its rich history and cultural significance.
Perspectives
From a cultural heritage perspective, this research represents an innovative and immersive way to explore and preserve the lost heritage of Suzhou through the application of Virtual Reality (VR) technology. By reinterpreting an 18th-century handscroll painting into a three-dimensional virtual environment, the study offers a unique opportunity to experience and understand Suzhou's ancient landscapes, which may no longer exist in their original form. This approach not only provides a platform for preserving and celebrating tangible and intangible cultural heritage but also fosters a deeper engagement with the historical and artistic legacy of Suzhou, thereby enriching our understanding and appreciation of this ancient city and its significance. Through the integration of historical information and the creation of an interactive environment, the research opens new avenues for exploring and connecting with the cultural heritage of Suzhou, ultimately offering a fresh perspective on how technology can be harnessed to unlock and showcase the beauty and history of ancient landscapes.
Professor Marc Aurel Schnabel
Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Inhabiting 'Prosperous Suzhou' through Smart VR - Interrogating an Ancient Artwork and Documents to manifest Tangible and Intangible Heritage, September 2020, Victoria University of Wellington Library,
DOI: 10.26686/wgtn.12922121.
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