Three-dimensional modelling and virtual reconstruction for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) faces increasing risks from rapid social change, modernisation and limited resources for preservation. In this study, the roles of digital technologies (artificial intelligence, virtual reality and three-dimensional modelling) in enhancing the preservation, dissemination and sustainable use of ICH were examined. Data were collected through surveys of stakeholders (museum curators, researchers, policymakers and technology developers) and qualitative case studies. The analysis employed thematic coding, triangulation and correlation-based techniques to identify key determinants of technology adoption. The results showed that budget constraints and ethical concerns have negative effects on adoption, whereas awareness levels and willingness to invest demonstrate significant positive influences. A conceptual analytical framework is proposed to explain the relationships among socio-economic factors, stakeholder perceptions and digital preservation outcomes; regression analysis confirmed their predictive relevance. The findings highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, user participation and reliable digital infrastructure for effective ICH digitisation initiatives. This study contributes to digital heritage research by providing an evidence-based decision-support framework that quantitatively links adoption drivers and barriers with preservation quality. The proposed approach offers practical guidance for cultural institutions and policymakers seeking to design inclusive, scalable and ethically responsible digital strategies for safeguarding ICH in diverse regional and institutional contexts.

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Publication Details

Journal
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Structures and Buildings
Published
2026-04-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1680/jstbu.25.00209
Primary Topic
3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Three-dimensional modelling and virtual reconstruction for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage

Lixia Zhao
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Structures and Buildings
3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage
article

Three-dimensional modelling and virtual reconstruction for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage

Lixia Zhao
article en

Abstract

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) faces increasing risks from rapid social change, modernisation and limited resources for preservation. In this study, the roles of digital technologies (artificial intelligence, virtual reality and three-dimensional modelling) in enhancing the preservation, dissemination and sustainable use of ICH were examined. Data were collected through surveys of stakeholders (museum curators, researchers, policymakers and technology developers) and qualitative case studies. The analysis employed thematic coding, triangulation and correlation-based techniques to identify key determinants of technology adoption. The results showed that budget constraints and ethical concerns have negative effects on adoption, whereas awareness levels and willingness to invest demonstrate significant positive influences. A conceptual analytical framework is proposed to explain the relationships among socio-economic factors, stakeholder perceptions and digital preservation outcomes; regression analysis confirmed their predictive relevance. The findings highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, user participation and reliable digital infrastructure for effective ICH digitisation initiatives. This study contributes to digital heritage research by providing an evidence-based decision-support framework that quantitatively links adoption drivers and barriers with preservation quality. The proposed approach offers practical guidance for cultural institutions and policymakers seeking to design inclusive, scalable and ethically responsible digital strategies for safeguarding ICH in diverse regional and institutional contexts.

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Structures and Buildings
Inner Mongolia University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage
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Three-dimensional modelling and virtual reconstruction for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage — Lixia Zhao · Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Structures and Buildings (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS