Digital Storytelling: the Integration of Intangible and Tangible Heritage in the city of Surat, India

Chika Udeaja1[0000-0002-6405-9664], Lukman E Mansuri2[0000-0003-4823-8053], Busisiwe Chikomborero Ncube Makore3[0000-0001-8943-2093], Kwasi Gyau Baffour Awuah3[0000-0001-7927-7528], D A Patel2[0000-0002-6874-8141], Claudia Trillo3[0000-0002-5961-0706] and K N Jha4[0000-0002-1266-0132]

1 London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London, SE1 0AA, UK

2 Sardar Vallabhbahi National Institute of Technology, Surat 395007, India

3 University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK

4 Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
erlukman@gmail.com

Abstract. The impact of digital technologies to the domain of cultural heritage has increased the speed and automation of the processes and practices that involve processing and presentation of digital heritage data. Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) and Virtual Reality (VR) can play a key role towards the conservation, preservation, and management of architectural heritage. This includes the preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage at multiple levels. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of digital storytelling through digital technologies by integrating intangible data and information to the tangible heritage in the scan-to-BIM process. The paper builds on few works that have begun to investigate the classification of intangible qualitative heritage data within a BIM and VR context for heritage assets. This exploration demonstrates that the incorporation of both qualitative and quantitative information about a heritage-built asset has value in the (re)interpretation, documentation and preservation of cultural heritage. The development of HBIM and VR in this paper is to bring together heterogeneous data that has the potential to provide a model for future work in the field of heritage conservation and digital technologies. The city of Surat is used as a case study for exploring the potential of digital storytelling for the city’s urban heritage. Indeed, this holistic integration can enhance the awareness of urban cultural heritage to support the processes of local urban heritage conservation for key stakeholders such as local Government, heritage conservation experts, urban planners and local communities.

Keywords: Digital Storytelling, Digital Technologies, Intangible Heritage, Tangible Heritage, HBIM, VR, India, Surat.

Introduction

The extensive benefits of digital technologies for the Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Operation (AECO) industry are increasingly recognized in academic and professional practice [1–3]. To effectively assess and quantify the risk on cultural heritage, information needs to be accurately and comprehensively collected, easily available and managed. In particular, the spatial extent and location defined by co-ordinates of built heritage are essential for risk reduction and management. Digital technologies can be used as tools for achieving its potential benefits [4, 5]. As technology has advanced, heritage asset information and the development of new recording techniques have an increasingly important role to play in protecting heritage and especially in developing management tools for integrating heritage protection and land-use management [6]. The use of digital technologies for documenting tangible heritage assets allows for the ability to frequently track changes of heritage in terms of form, function and sometimes location. This may involve “subjective interpretations that may need to be qualified, adjusted, and improved over time” [4]. This is a compulsory part of nearly every cultural heritage conservation project as it was firstly mandated in the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Venice Charter in 1964. The impact of digital technologies to the domain of cultural heritage has increased speed and automation of the processes and practices that involve processing and presentation of digital heritage data [7]. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of digital storytelling through digital technologies such as HBIM and VR by integrating intangible data and information to the tangible heritage in the scan-to-BIM process.

Background

Digital Storytelling

Digital storytelling is an emerging field achieved by developing a narrative through the application of digital technologies. As a practice, digital storytelling within the heritage sector allows for a holistic narration to multiple stakeholders of the intangible and tangible qualities of a heritage asset. Digital tools, often used in visualisations such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are selected for telling a story. In this study the story refers to the historical layers of Surat's tangible heritage. The digital storytelling is the modern extension of conventional storytelling with digital models, text, images and audio. It provides the platform to understand, promote and preserve the tangible and intangible heritage.

Digital Storytelling using Heritage Building Information Modelling

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has warranted increasing attention over the past decade in the field of Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) [3]. BIM in AEC industry has been extensively utilized to cope with the complexity and difficulty of managing multiple activities and contractors across the globe [8]. The benefits of using BIM have been progressively recognized as a potential digital technology in the heritage sector also known as HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modelling). In current conventional practice, non-availability of documentation, drawings, specifications of materials and other technical information of historic buildings results into time and cost overrun of their maintenance and rehabilitation projects [9]. BIM plays a critical role in the heritage sector in minimizing those challenges by efficiently support historic information management, design and build decisions resulting in the production of sustainable and inclusive heritage assets. By incorporating high-quality digital survey datasets, HBIM represents the appearance of the existing historic fabric and allows the exploration and complex analysis of several applications such as conservation planning, maintenance, heritage management, interpretation and tourist attraction [10]. Parallel to this interest in HBIM is a growing discourse recognising the crucial role of cultural heritage in achieving sustainable development goals [11]. BIM can also enhance the “storytelling experience” for multiple stakeholders by enabling them to understand and interpret the heritage asset early on in the HBIM process. The offer of diverse types of data such as geometric data and non-geometric and intangible data provides a holistic perspective of the heritage asset and can enable effective and sustainable decision making. Indeed, this type of decision making can allow for a sensitivity to the intangible socio-cultural associative aspects of heritage that can often be overlooked in urban heritage conservation planning and management. Geometric data for tangible heritage assets (section 2.2) is a fundamental part of the HBIM process. However, the platform allows for successful integration of non-geometric data for intangible heritage associated with the heritage asset. This is a symbiotic relationship often overlooked in the narrative formation within the HBIM process. HBIM improves availability and accessibility of all the knowledge related to a historical/archaeological artefact, making easier to interpret its nature, monitor its changes and document each investigation and intervention activity. As a consequence, intervention decisions will be made by relying on the knowledge accurately formalized in the proposed model, supporting the identification of emergency situations, the scheduling of intervention activities and the planning of routine management and maintenance.

Geometric Data for tangible heritage assets

BIM objects are parametric, defined using rules and automatically adjusting to changes in their context. Information is integrated within the model in a structured way, by adding the relevant pieces of information to the corresponding BIM objects. In this way, BIM constitutes a digital information resource for the built asset. HBIM should be based on accurate as-existing metric survey datasets (preferably 3D), which document the position, size and dimensions of all visible surfaces, components and context of the historic asset, referenced to a local or national coordinate system. Different heritage conservation projects utilize specific digital technologies in isolation or combined depending on the expected outcome [12]. Three-dimensional digital survey techniques are often used as they are fast, reliable, non-contact methods for obtaining metrically accurate 3D data, and have been used extensively to document historic buildings and sites. Such techniques include laser scanning, photogrammetry, lidar, closer range scanning, mobile mapping or a combination of methods can be used to produce 3D datasets of the historic asset [2].

Non-geometric Data for intangible heritage

A crucial benefit of BIM is its capability of incorporating both qualitative and quantitative information about a built asset to represent physical and functional characteristics. Scholars are increasingly recognizing the capability of BIM to provide simulations of the appearance, development and performance of an asset but also the representation of heterogeneous data including intangible non-geometric data [3, 12–14]. Very few case studies can be found that have explored how intangible data can be integrated in the HBIM and VR process and none of them illustrate full implementation. Intangible Cultural Heritage in general and likewise in India can be found difficult to explain or interpret, because of its complexity and variation [15]. Tangible heritage on the other hand, being more visible is much better understood by stakeholders and the public. The term “intangible” can sometimes add to this confusion and lack of usage because it is used as an antithesis to the term “tangible” defining the concept by what it is not than what it is. It can often be viewed as a technical term used by experts and not by artists and musicians. India’s intangible heritage exists in a framework of interconnectedness [15] with diverse expressions in the ideas, practices, beliefs and values shared by communities across long stretches of time, and forming part of the collective memory of the nation. In India, the Ministry of Culture (MoC) deals with two UNESCO Conventions, which have been ratified by India. These are: the UNESCO “Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage” (2003) to safeguard and promote intangible cultural heritage worldwide, and the “Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions” (2005). The UNESCO 2003 Convention emphasizes the importance of the values of intangible cultural heritage. The definition of intangible cultural heritage is better defined in this convention as stated below:

Article 2 (Definitions) practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills, instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated with communities, groups and individuals [16].The 2003 convention proposes five broad domains (figure 2) in which intangible cultural heritage is manifested: Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage; performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive events; knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe and traditional craftsmanship. Historic England (2017) defines intangible characteristics as such as cultural, historical and architectural values, and style, age and significance that can be integrated into the 3D model in a structured and consistent way, which allows easy information extraction and the production of deliverables. This intangible information can be included in the model, attached to individual building components such as a door or spaces such as a room [17]. Salam (2020) also suggest that intangible data can be used in a legacy way to strengthen the heritage significance; such as cultural and historical memories, events occurred throughout the building lifecycle, famous characters’ personal visits and observations [18]. One of the reasons for this limited investigation is the lack of a comprehensive solution specifically designed to model and manage semantically enhanced 3D models of historic buildings [19].

Literature study of digital storytelling through Tangible & Intangible data in the HBIM process

The following section of the paper provides example literature review studies that have explored the integration of intangible data in the HBIM process as a means to provide a holistic storytelling of heritage assets. Three examples were selected: (1) Documenting 19th century heritage assets of Batawa in the urban core of Toronto, Canada, (2) Integration of heterogeneous data in a BIM environment: the case study of the temple of Castor and Pollux, Italy and (3) A collaborative Heritage BIM (HBIM) of a 19th Century multi-building industrial site in the UK. These case studies were selected as they illustrate a progression in the exploration of integrating intangible data in the HBIM environment. In literature study 1, Fai, Graham, Duckworth, Wood, and Attar (2011) develop a model (Batawa model) that manages to include intangible data (such as archival photo, previous reports and historical layers) into a mixed-level BIM model. The selected intangible data was incorporated to provide a historical perspective of the heritage asset. However, the form of integration was limited to secondary data sources without full implementation of this intangible data [20]. This literature is an attempt of embedding both quantitative and intangible data for the purposes of developing a BIM that will serve as a digital archive to help in conserving the heritage buildings. The model also has the capacity for time-based representation—coordinating past, current, and possible futures of Batawa heritage assets. An extensive review of multi-scale Heterogeneous Datasets was undertaken. The archival material is both heterogeneous, comprised of architectural and planning documents (original drawings and paper copies of hand-drawn and computer-generated blueprints and black line documents), paper and digitized photographs (some as early as 1939), and both digital and paper-based texts. Fai et al. (2011) demonstrate the potential of parametric relationships between all data types for heritage documentation. Thus, contributing to the field of heritage documentation by showcasing the ability to reveal time-based parametric relationships between tangible and intangible heritage assets.

In literature study 2, Simeone, Cursi, Toldo, and Carrara (2014) propose a model that has been conceived as the integration of a BIM environment with a knowledge base developed by means of ontologies. Thereby, presenting a more standardized approach of integrating intangible data [21]. This literature defines the intangible aspects of the artefact such as its evolution during time, its historical, social and technological context, its intended use, materials caves and sources. Additionally, they include any kind of data and documentation that can be useful for its interpretation such as external links, textual documents, images, modelled objects, bibliographic references. Specifically, the presented case study included paintings and pictures from the first excavation phase (1940–1950) representing the heritage site in different times and ancient texts about the temple and the city of Cori. The purpose of the integration was to demonstrate how knowledge representation and management play a key role in built heritage field, deeply influencing decisions and actions of the different specialists involved in investigation, intervention, conservation and fruition processes. Therefore, the authors aimed to justify how an accurate and complete representation and comprehension of an architectural heritage artefact requires a large amount of semantics related to its intangible aspects such as social and historical context.

The framework developed in literature 3 by Heesom et al. (2020) goes beyond the other case studies by presenting a method for identifying and categorizing intangible heritage information through the developed Level of Intangible Cultural Heritage (LOICH) [22]. The different levels included:

LOICH1 – Desk Study/Published information. This included written accounts of practices, photographs and documents related to the operation of the

LOICH2 – First Person accounts. The collation of intangible heritage data was undertaken using unstructured interviews of small focus group.

LOICH3 – Interactive Social Media. Social media interaction used to gather information and create awareness.

The authors suggest that this method can be reproduced by future researchers and practitioners. This data was integrated into a full HBIM database via a Common Data Environment. The data was audio and video recorded and thematically analysed and categorized based on which building or part of the site. Markers were used as place holders to link the intangible data to the 3D geometric elements.

Case study of Surat

Background of the City of Surat

The city of Surat (Figures 1 and 2) is currently urbanizing rapidly with demands of urban sprawl and development. According to the census taken in 2011, Surat’s urban district had a population of 4,849,213 people but the actual population may exceed these figures due to rapid development in Surat’s metropolitan region [23]. Surat’s urban context includes social cohesion challenges, increasing rural to urban migration, rising housing demands, and considerable stress on city management and resource [24]. Yet, in the context of these urban pressures, there is an evolution of approaches recognizing tangible and intangible heritage as strategic assets in creating cities that are more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable [25, 26]. Surat has a diverse and vibrant heritage that has created and shaped the cultural identity of the city. Historic social practices and processes have remained interdependent and reciprocal with Surat’s built fabric. However, urban heritage conservation is not perceived as a priority when considering other urban development objectives [27]. Cultural heritage continues to remain marginal in urban development agendas, often overlooked in the context of urban poverty, social inequalities, and a severe lack of basic infrastructure [28]. Although it is evident that effort is being made to improve sustainable planning and heritage conservation [23], there exist significant challenges that limit the impact and scope of these initiatives.

Fig. 1. Location of Surat

Having survived numerous historic invasions and power structures, Surat is presently in the top ten largest cities in India and recognized as one of the fastest growing cities. The strategic location of the city aided in forming historic overseas links with the rest of Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, which date back from 300 BC. These trading connections influenced the living patterns and built heritage in Surat, particularly in the historic precincts Gopi Surat Central Zone and Rander Gamtal. Historically, Surat’s heritage conservation was mostly concerned with safeguarding the remains of architectural monuments. Key historic monuments include major development by Malek Gopi, a rich trader in 1496-1521 AD, the establishing of silk and cotton factories from the 1600s, the construction of the inner-city wall in 1664 AD, and the outer-city wall in 1715 AD. The city of Surat grew in the 17th and 18th centuries to become an established and formidable export and import center of India. Settlement in Surat continued to develop with custom houses and gardens along the River Tapi and Surat’s fort. By 1901 AD, the diamond cutting industry was established and began exporting diamonds to the United States of America from the 1970s. Currently, 80 percent of diamonds of the world are cut in Surat and the jewelry and textile industry has allowed a steady flow of wealth into the city.

Fig. 2. City of Surat and its heritage

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is the main government body in Surat responsible for urban planning schemes, alongside the Surat Urban Development Authority (SUDA) (which includes the municipal corporation area) and the Hazira Development Authority, which governs the port and industrial hub located downriver from Surat city. SUDA is responsible for preparing the area development plan and for controlling unauthorized developments. The South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) is influential in Surat’s governance structure as it takes the lead on several critical regional and city development initiatives [29]. Achieving urban sustainability is of significance in Surat as it is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The city lies in a flood plain area and the southwest area of the city hosts a number of creeks. Natural disasters have been recurrent and devastating, such as a plague in 1994 and floods in 2006 and 2008. Surat’s climate change predictions and risk profile all indicate an increase in rainfall, with monsoons dominated by heavy spells of rain combined with longer dry spells, leading to an increase of floods.

Surat’s intangible heritage

The evolution of the concept of heritage preservation has developed in parallel with the evolution of Surat, becoming a practice that goes beyond tangible assets and possesses a human and socio-cultural element [29]. However, the practice of conservation in Surat still lags behind the actualization of this diverse concept. The city lacks an official holistic values-based approach that specifies the significance of Surat’s historic areas whilst taking into account the existing built environment, intangible heritage, cultural diversity, socio-economic and environmental factors, and local community values [30]. Digital storytelling which includes Surat’s intangible heritage can include the combination of diverse narratives: (1) the community narrative, (2) the craftsmanship narrative, (3) the narrative of social practices and plural forms of living. Figure 3 illustrates some of the examples of intangible heritage of Surat.

Fig. 3. Intangible heritage of Surat

3.2.1 The community narrative

The Surat city was very populated and full of various merchants. Hindu, Muslim and Parsi were the main population of Surat. The richest were the Hindu Wanias. The Muslims were generally employed in the army instead of trading. The Parsi community were also a large and prosperous class, ship builders, and good carpenters, exquisite weavers and embroiderers in 17th century. Later the Parsi community were raise in wealth and power. Though, being good merchants, they were also reached to high positions in the East India Company. Thus, several parts of city (paras) were named after them like Rustumpara around in 1785. The Bohra community were migrated in Surat from Jamnagar and they were renowned merchants. The four most important European settlers includes the British, Dutch, French and the Portuguese.

3.2.2 Generational craftsmanship narrative

Suart is reputable for quality craftsmanship. The architecture of Surat and Rander express the diverse levels of craftsmanship in Surat. One example of this is the Jari work, which is the weaving of brocade by gold and silver thread. The Jari industry had received wide uplift and encouragement under the Mughal Emperors. The Jari industry has been a small scale craftsmanship. The Jari work skills and craftsmanship were firmly established in Surat by some families of skilled artists. The art of craftsmanship has been passed from one generation to another. The families involved in Jari work are mainly from Gola (rana) and Khatri community. The Jari work is still remain the conserved art skill in the Surat city with some limited families.

3.2.3 Narratives of social practices and plural forms of living

The earlier neighborhood of Surat, Rander was the main trading hub with the trading links to Middle East, China and Sumatra. There was the main trading of silk, musk, porcelain and spices. The international trading connection of Rander had influenced the living pattern and its architecture. The prosperity of Rander was declined during 16th century when Portuguese raid on it. Then Surat became an important port and prosperous city. This history influenced the social practices of the citizens of Surat and consequently brought about multiple forms of living and understanding the city. As a modern city, Surat has evolved and these pluralistic forms of identifying with Surat have evolved with it.

Scan to BIM and VR process with integrating intangible data

The integration of intangible data with the tangible heritage is explored using the digital technologies such as BIM and VR. The digital storytelling was developed as the effective means to create awareness about the heritage and for its better conservation and preservation. The tangible heritage is converted into the digital format as BIM model. The laser scanning and photogrammetry were used as as-built modelling tools for creation of BIM and VR. The process of Scan to BIM and VR has been documented in detail and presented here as an important outcome of this study and experience. The complex process of scan to BIM and VR has been documented using IDEF0 modelling technique [30].

To understand the complexity and various requirements for the process of scan to BIM/VR, the integrated definition function (IDEF0) modelling technique has been used. IDEF0 is, in many ways, a very simple method that are used to describe the activities of complex processes and consists of a hierarchical series of diagrams, text, and glossary cross referenced to each other. IDEF0 has two main components for modelling: functions (represented on a diagram by boxes), and data and objects that interrelate those functions (represented by arrows). As shown in Figure 4, the position at which the arrow attaches to a box conveys the specific role of the interface. The controls enter the top of the box and is used to capture various guidelines, regulations, constrains. The inputs, the data or objects acted upon by the operation, enter the box from the left. The outputs of the operation leave the right-hand side of the box and captures what the functions have generated. Mechanism arrows provides supporting means for performing the function join (point up to) the bottom of the box and are used to capture tools, assets and resources required to run the function. The process of IDEF0 starts with the identification of the prime function to be decomposed. This function is identified as “top level context diagram (TLCD)” that defines the scope of the particular IDEF0 analysis. In this case study, TLCD for the process of Scan to BIM and VR is shown in Figure 4 and further lower-level diagrams are generated, which are “child” in IDEF0 terminology. In this case study, three levels of IDEF0 were modelled to capture the holistic procedure of the scan to BIM/VR that integrates the intangible as well (see Table 1). The created IDEF0 model can be useful for various purposes like understanding the complexity of the process, planning of all required resources and making the scan to BIM/VR process smooth and speedy.

Table 1. Function information

Function ID	Function
Level 0
A0	Digital storytelling with scan to BIM and VR
Level 1 (Decomposition of A0)
A01	Take permission for scanning
A02	Collect intangible data
A03	Plan site requirements
A04	Scan the monument
A05	Post process the data and create BIM and or VR
Level 2 (Decomposition of A02)
A2.1	Secondary intangible data
A2.2	Primary intangible data

To enable the aspect of digital storytelling within the scan to BIM approach, a classification of intangible heritage was undertaken as described in the figures below. The figures illustrate two categories of intangible data that can be integrated within the scan to BIM process as also listed in Table 2: (1) primary intangible data and (2) secondary intangible data. The different forms of data types can be collected according to the association with the heritage type. The table shows an example of a mapping of Surat’s intangible heritage that can allow for the collection of this data and subsequently included within the HBIM model.

Fig. 4. IDEF0 for scan to BIM and VR

Table 2. Example of data types for Surat heritage

Intangible Heritage	Examples of Surat Intangible Heritage Secondary Data type (doc); (jor); (ph); (vid/au); (vid/au tr); (link) Primary Data type (int.tr); (int.vid/au); (foc.tr); (foc.vid/au)
Oral traditions and expressions, language	Diverse expressions from Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Bohras, Surti Gujarati Diverse oral traditions from Surtis, Parsis, the western Chalukyas
Performing arts	Dandiya raas dances Garba dances Gujarati plays
Social practices, rituals and festive events	Navaratri Diwali Chandni Padvo Ganesh Chaturthi Kite-flying festival of Uttarayan Moharram Julus
Knowledge and practices	Jari work Diamond polishing Textile dying and printing
Traditional skills & craftsmanship	Handcrafted doors and facades reflecting European and British influences Art deco façade design on houses Sadeli Art in the wooden furniture
Food	Surati Ghari Surati Farsan and Surati Khaja

Using visualization through Virtual Reality

Laser Scanning of two monuments of English cemetery as shown in the Figure 5, in Surat was carried out to create storytelling through the application of Virtual Reality. The English Cemetery is a centrally protected heritage site by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). As a heritage site, it is interesting as it consists of various monumental tombs and structures built during the seventeenth century (1649 to 1669 AD). This site has historical significance in Surat as it is home to attractive European tombs of the graves of President of English factory and Governor of Bombay of that time, their family members and other members of British community. The style and nature of these monuments gives insight into cultural interactions between the English merchants and Surat’s local population. Furthermore, the heritage site indicates the political aspirations of the East India Company officials. The site it provides one of the most visible reminders of the early British presence in the subcontinent of India.

As a project team, we decided to use the English cemetery as a pilot study to begin articulating the integration of intangible heritage through Virtual Reality. This section gives insight into some of the work done in this regard.

Fig. 5. Laser scanned Structures

The laser scanning of the monuments in the English cemetery was undertaken to develop a point cloud mash. The mash was then cleaned and imported into Unreal Engine as combined high resolution point clouds. As a first step to integrating the data, a basic environment was created to drop the scans into with plants, trees and a surrounding wall. Lighting and interactive cameras were added for navigation as shown in the Figure 6.

Fig. 6. Storytelling in VR Environment

The mapping and classification of intangible data was used in this process as detailed in Figure 4 and table 2. Secondary data (A2.1) was selected as the first data type to use within the virtual environment. Research into the English Cemetery was conducted and journal papers were collected describing the knowledge and social practices that existed during the time the English cemetery was built. We collected historical information concerning the site and thematically captured certain elements that reflected the different aspects of intangible data as referred to in table 1. Two data types were chosen for the first phase of the digital storytelling of the English cemetery: (1) audio files (au) & (2) document textual information (doc). The audio of selected text that provides a historical layer to understanding the monuments. The audio was pre-recorded in three languages; English, Hindi and Gujarati. The audio and text were integrated with the digital model. Information text (history of monument) was added and positioned next to the digital model of the structure while the audio was placed as the cone near the structure. Blue prints were created to trigger the audio files when a user walked into an audio cone and turn the sound off when they left. This digital model then exported into the VR headset. Future phases will include additional primary and secondary data types as detailed in table 2 to provide a comprehensive experience of digital storytelling for heritage assets.

Conclusion

The digital technologies in the field of cultural heritage has proven that there are remarkable benefits. Digital technologies such as BIM and VR can play vital role in storytelling and narration of the integration of intangible and tangible heritage with the aim of sustainable promotion, conservation, preservation and management of heritage. The data related to the physical heritage structure such as history, documents, traditions etc. considered as intangible data. The integration of intangible data with the tangible heritage expedites the process of conservation and management. Digital technologies provides the suitable platform to integrate the intangible and tangible heritage using various digital tools.

The case of Surat city is selected to explore digital technologies for integration of tangible and intangible heritage. Monuments of English cemetery has been converted into digital model using laser scanning and then used to create the BIM and VR. The process of scanning to BIM and VR consists of various functions and activities, which are generally overlooked. To understand the detailed process of scan to BIM and VR, the IDEF0 function modelling is presented. Every small requirement of resources, tools and persons have been carefully modeled using IDEF0. The proposed function of IDEF0 modeling is to understand the complexity of system, plan the requirements of various resources and manage the whole scan to BIM as well as the integration of intangible aspects effectively.

The scanned model is then used to develop VR model in the digital environment. The storytelling of the history of monument is embedded into the VR to demonstrate the integration of tangible and intangible heritage in the single virtual environment. This integration demonstrates the incorporation of both qualitative and quantitative information about heritage-built assets. The information about conditions assessment of the heritage structures can be embedded and the model can be prepared for asset management in further studies. The holistic integration will enhance the awareness of urban cultural heritage to support the processes of local urban heritage conservation for key stakeholders such as local government, heritage conservation experts, urban planners and local communities.

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