THE VIRTUAL DOCUMENTATION ROLE IN REFORMULATING THE HERITAGE OF BASRA CITY

Introduction: Virtual reality documentation technology can help urban designers and architects reformulate heritage buildings, especially in Basra City. The purpose of the study was to introduce VR technology’s technological potential, as it allows the reviving of these buildings. The following methods were used: desktop analysis to analyse relevant studies regarding virtual reality documentation and its technologies. The study selected Basra Old Court as a case study. It also conducted two questionnaires that were distributed online, including a link to a virtual heritage platform (VHP). The first questionnaire was directed to a random sample of 20 architects and urban designers to determine the appropriate conservation policy for the case study, depending on their professional opinions. The other questionnaire was directed to (157) residents to justify the results. Moreover, the AutoCAD and Revit programs were used as digital documentation tools to document the case study, producing two VR models that represent two conservation policies (traditional and developmental policy). The data analysis showed that experts and residents preferred the VR model I of the heritage building to preserve its original form without additions. In conclusion, this approach can examine the selected conservation strategy for the heritage building before the implementation stage.