Development of design protocols in the use of VR for cultural heritage representation

In the Philippines, there are currently no design protocols for appropriate cultural heritage representation using VR. Hence, this study collated inputs from literature concerning the concepts of Authenticity, Aura, and Hyperreality; the factors affecting heritage representation; and lastly, the solicited views from connoisseurs through focus group discussions, interviews and content analysis of their historical VR projects. Results of the study found that Authenticity and Aura can be conceptualized in non-materials terms through Mode of Production, Authorship, Ownership, and Performance. These understandings may help resolve issues related to historical accuracy of representing cultural heritage objects. A 3D reconstruction of the pre-war Escolta Street in Binondo, Manila, Philippines, also known as the “Queen of Manila’s Streets” was generated in order to explain the components of the recommended design protocol