From Physical to Digital and Back: Novel Modalities for Interaction with Cultural Heritage Through 3D Digital Fabrication

The development of 3D digital technologies to facilitate a range of cultural heritage management processes within Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums and Higher Education Institutions now exceeds two decades of impactful presence. Over the last decade, digital fabrication and particularly low-cost and accessible 3D printing has emerged as a popular means to enable novel modalities for interaction with collections through multisensorial experiences which involve physical access to replicas. Such experiences have the potential to transform our relationship with cultural heritage, while touch gradually regains its place amongst heritage engagement strategies. This chapter reviews the state-of-the-art in 3D digital fabrication for heritage communication by looking at different examples where this technology has been deployed. A further focus is also directed towards communities’ participatory approaches, alongside the employment of such technologies for decolonisation efforts. Lastly, we look at the adoption of 3D technologies with emphasis on digital fabrication during the COVID era while discussing the means to unleash the potential of such technologies in future.