Adopting Augmented Reality to Enhance Vernacular Building Preservation and Tourism: Case Study in Matbouli House Museum, Al-Balad

Abstract

This paper investigates the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in a vernacular building, namely the Matbouli house. The paper studies the potential of vernacular buildings as a tourism source, with a particular focus on the role of AR in preserving historic buildings. A qualitative approach is utilized, which includes a literature review, the documentation of the built and cultural heritage of Matbouli house, and designing an AR app. The app highlights the house’s tangible and intangible cultural features. This study seeks to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with vernacular tourism and the integration of technology in preservation pursuits. The findings show that AR apps are becoming increasingly easy to develop and, although costly, they have the potential to reduce renovation costs in the future. Moreover, using AR applications is strongly preferred and tourists are enthusiastic about the engaging, inclusive and memorable experiences they offer. Additionally, AR technology presents a viable way to improve cultural tourism and preservation by bridging the gap between conventional heritage interpretations and modern tourist expectations. Stakeholders are recommended to leverage AR to generate creative and sustainable experiences that draw tourists, spur economic growth, and aid in preserving cultural heritage.