Heritage

This paper examines the role of digital technologies in advancing archeological research, using two complex, stratified case studies—the Villa Reale of Haghia Triada in Crete and the rock-cut churches of Pantalica in Sicily—as reference points. Both sites, despite their geographical and chronological differences, present comparable challenges: fragmented evidence, incomplete documentation, and the need for multi-scalar interpretation. By integrating photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, and other 3D acquisition techniques with 3D modeling approaches, this paper explores how digital workflows can both preserve and reinterpret fragile archeological contexts. The aim of this research is to critically assess the methodological potential and epistemological implications of these tools, emphasizing transparency, reproducibility, and their communicative value for scholarly communities and wider audiences.

Paper-based heritage objects are commonly stored in archival boxes, books, and paper stacks, creating confined microclimates that may differ from the surrounding environment. While room-level climate control is central to preventive conservation, object-level conditions are shaped by enclosure permeability, hygroscopic buffering, ventilation, and internal emissions. This study investigates temperature, relative humidity, air exchange, and gaseous pollutants inside archival boxes, bound books, and paper stacks under laboratory and real storage conditions. Air exchange rates were determined using CO₂ tracer decay, while climates were monitored over periods from hours to one year. Chemical conditions were assessed using passive sampling of air pollutants, oxygen measurements, and dosimetric methods. The results show that boxes, books, and paper stacks behave as semi-permeable rather than sealed systems. Hygroscopic buffering attenuated short-term RH fluctuations, especially within books and paper stacks, while long-term internal conditions followed ambient trends with pronounced time lags. Restricted ventilation limited the ingress of external pollutants but could allow for internally generated gases to accumulate. Experiments using acid-sensitive indicator paper demonstrated the slow penetration of acetic acid into paper stacks. Overall, enclosure performance reflected a balance between buffering capacity, permeability, and chemical reactivity rather than airtightness alone, highlighting the importance of object-level microclimate assessment in preventive conservation.

As one of the most representative cultural heritages, traditional Chinese opera is characterized by highly refined symbolic contexts and stylized narrative structures. Nevertheless, the contemporary generation often struggles with its abstract expression and language, leading to declining attendance. In addition, urbanization and digital entertainment have squeezed out its living spaces, increasing demand for more diverse experiences. To address these issues, this study conducts a systematic and thematically categorized review of the literature, exploring how extended reality (XR) reshapes the spatial and experiential representation of opera culture. Drawing upon the reality–virtuality continuum and spatial computing as theoretical foundations, the research investigates the features, workflows, and cultural adaptability of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), identifying how each modality of XR supports distinct modes of space generation and audience engagement. Through comparative analysis, we propose three XR-based approaches for reinterpreting Chinese opera: AR for theatrical spaces visualization, VR for performative narratives embodiment, and MR for opera cultural elements superposition. Overall, the research clarifies that XR can be used as a comprehensive medium to enhance replicability and user perception, contributing to the preservation and communication of humanity’s traditional culture.