Visualising historical knowledge using virtual reality technology

Abstract

Abstract This paper discusses virtual reality reconstructions of historical sites. Seeing the past as a cultural construction makes the process of representation problematic. Two case studies illustrate aspects of the visualisation of virtual environments: how authenticity in computer reconstructions is reduced to their visuality, and how historically-based VR environments as copies honour their original. The paper asks for more implementation of life forms into architectural settings, and also examines the impact of user expectations on the VR experience.