Spatially-distributed narratives: Generative Ambiguity in Heritage Visualisation

Presentation: DARIAH AE25: Digital Storytelling Session – Nicosia International Airport VE Project Executive Abstract (see Extended Abstract) Drawing on research at the intersection of immersive technologies, architectural history, digital humanities, and participatory heritage, this paper explores the conditions under which representational ambiguity can enhance museum visitors' engagement in spatial interpretation and knowledge elicitation. In digital cultural heritage and architectural representation, the tension between objectivity and ambiguity fosters rich opportunities for wider interpretive engagement through interaction and reflection. Yet contemporary digital visualization approaches in cultural heritage increasingly prioritize photorealism as a means of conveying higher levels of accuracy in heritage representation. This paper argues that this practice may hinder a deeper cognitive engagement of museum visitors and heritage communities, particularly when the goal of this activity is knowledge communication and exchange rather than the mere dissemination (one dimensional) of static information. The paper argues that this approach aligns virtual reconstructions of heritage with the deeper intellectual and cultural aims of the Digital Humanities. Context This repository includes the slides and presentation script from my talk at the DARIAH AE25 conference. The presentation outlines research conducted under the supervision of Dr. Georgios Artopoulos and Dr. Michael Tissenbaum, as part of my dual PhD dissertation. My participation in DARIAH AE25 had two main goals: To refine the narrative framework of the project’s contribution to digital heritage. To conduct interviews and surveys with digital humanities experts, gathering feedback on the perceived value, tensions, and disciplinary contrasts relevant to the "methodology" proposed. Both objectives were met and have significantly informed the ongoing development of my dissertation. Project website:Nicosia International Airport VEThis site includes media clips, a content upload portal, and final outputs as they become available. Note:The PDF shared here may omit minor visual elements such as GIF animations. These are non-essential to the core content. A plain text version, combining slide content and speaker notes (as exported by Google Slides), is also included for reference. —Colter Wehmeier