Can immersive technologies rebuild heritage and sense of place? Examining virtual Reality's role in fostering community resilience in post-disaster Italy.

Disasters disrupt not only physical environments but also socio-cultural identities and sense of place. This study explores the role of Virtual Reality (VR) in post-disaster recovery, focusing on the earthquake-affected towns of Amatrice and Accumoli, Italy. Using a techno-ethnographic methodology, we integrated video interviews, 3D digital reconstruction, and co-creation to examine how immersive technologies facilitate emotional reconnection and community resilience.

Sonic enhancement of virtual exhibits.

Museums have widely embraced virtual exhibits. However, relatively little attention is paid to how sound may create a more engaging experience for audiences. To begin addressing this lacuna, we conducted an online experiment to explore how sound influences the interest level, emotional response, and engagement of individuals who view objects within a virtual exhibit.