Resumen de 3D heritage as a catalyst for social participation in safeguarding cities in conflict: A case study of Damascus in Syria
Cultural heritage is in danger in Syria, as in all the world heritage cities. Historical buildings have been radically destroyed by conflict and communities have been displaced. Many factors have contributed to this situation such as the inadequate preservation strategies before the war and the lack of local communities' awareness about the importance of their heritage. The local communities’ inability to contribute to the protection of cultural sites rises from a lack of resources and knowledge in addition to their perspective of heritage as obstruction of development and an economic burden rather than a source of pride and identity. Therefore, this paper seeks to investigate the notion of heritage as a cumulative process of community cultural production over time and a key element of identity. Cultural heritage reinforces the interrelation between communities and the land by re-establishing connections that are often a part of peacebuilding. This paper investigates through qualitative surveys and statistics the problematic gap between cultural heritage and local communities in Syria. Additionally, “3D visualization” is discussed as a potential catalyst for conducting successful participation of the local community through its youth in safeguarding their cultural heritage. 3D visualization has a significant role in distributing knowledge (nationally and internationally) about heritage through the process of its creation, participation, and the 3D product. In addition, academic institutions have a significant role in distributing knowledge about heritage through heritage education programs.
