Currently, Lebanon finds itself entangled in a war with Israel. Severe and heavy bombardments continue to change not only the urban landscape of the area but also the demographic one, as waves of people are displaced and forced to leave their homes behind in search of safe refuge. This cycle of displacement is a recurring theme in Lebanon’s history, shaping its identity, social fabric, urban development, and the narratives of those who inhabit its neighborhoods. How can we understand urban neighborhoods undergoing constant change under such harsh and dynamic conditions? How can we preserve their memory and archive local knowledge and stories at a moment when their existence is threatened? How can we decolonize knowledge production and develop bottom-up archiving strategies? This thesis aims to investigate the ongoing impact of displacement on Haret Hreik and Beirut at large through a methodological approach that combines anthropological and technological tools. Data was collected on-site during a three-month research trip, focusing on archiving spoken knowledge through oral histories and narratives that provide intimate insights into the social and cultural fabric of these communities. The process also involves the digitalization of artifacts to preserve material culture and enhance accessibility through modern technological platforms. Traditional archiving methods, while valuable, often fail to capture the dynamic, lived realities of communities undergoing constant change. By using 3D scanning technologies and gaming softwares this research creates immersive and interactive archives. These tools enable dynamic engagement with both tangible and intangible heritage, offering a comprehensive representation of Haret Hreik’s lived realities while respecting personal memories and relationships. The integration of virtual reality (VR) as a medium expands the possibilities of archiving by creating immersive and interactive experiences. VR not only preserves material and intangible heritage but also allows users to engage with it in new ways, fostering deeper connections and understanding. By simulating the sensory and spatial qualities of urban neighborhoods, VR bridges the gap between past and present, providing a tool for empathy, education, and heritage preservation.
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Die Diplomarbeit untersucht, wie durch den Einsatz von VR, 3D-Technologien und mündlich überlieferten Erzählungen das kulturelle Gedächtnis und die Lebensrealitäten städtischer Viertel in Beirut, die durch Krieg und Vertreibung geprägt sind, dokumentiert, archiviert und erfahrbar gemacht werden können.
