Documentation and Inheritance of Ancient Opera Stage Based on Multidisciplinary Approach and Digital Technology

Abstract

The survival and longevity of architectural heritage, especially structures in isolated locations such as ancient opera stages, have been gradually threatened by natural and sociocultural changes over the past few decades. Furthermore, the future of these heritage sites remains uncertain. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop a research method, using multidisciplinary knowledge and digital technology, to digitally protect and inherit the endangered heritage of ancient stages. Hence, in this study, we applied a qualitative longitudinal method for digital protection, digital culture inheritance, and data intelligence management. Particularly, digital culture inheritance established the knowledge visualization model, which was used to excavate cultural connotations and was displayed with virtual reality, augmented reality, etc. Furthermore, a GIS digital platform was developed to provide data management and a virtual experience in a 3D-interactive way for culture presentation, cognition, and heritage. Then, the developed method was validated over four years by using the ancient opera stages in Shanxi, China, as case studies. The results demonstrate that this method is feasible in and applicable to the heritages of ancient stages and can be applied to other architectural heritages and even cultural heritages. This method also helps to promote the public’s awareness of the protection of cultural heritage, especially the heritages of ancient stages.