The Role of Digital Technologies in Sustainable Rehabilitation of Cultural Heritages; Case Study: Sheikh Amin al-Din Jebrail Mausoleum in Ardabil

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mahdi Motamedmanesh
Salar Fasahati
Mansoor Yeganeh
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University
10.48311/bsnt.2026.116904.82883
Abstract
Aims: By proposing a novel integrative model for sustainable heritage conservation, this study transcends conventional technological applications. Its objective is the transformation of a marginalized heritage asset into an interactive digital-physical platform. The key innovation resides in an operational framework that synthesizes Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality technologies within the strict framework of international conservation charters, thereby reconciling the traditional dichotomy between static preservation and economic development.
 
Methods: A mixed-method strategy was adopted, comprising archival enquiry, a critical appraisal of international conservation charters, and on-site surveys. The investigation was designed to interrogate legal, technical and spatial constraints, and to formulate design strategies consonant with global heritage standards.
 
Findings: Virtual reality affords the possibility of reconstructing demolished monuments or otherwise inaccessible artefacts, whilst safeguarding the material authenticity of the historic fabric and simultaneously enhancing the user’s engagement with the heritage environment. The proposed hybrid museum integrates virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies in order to deliver interactive reconstructions, pedagogical simulations, and digitally curated exhibitions. Such an integration not only enriches the visitor experience but also provides a substantive response to the constraints imposed by stringent conservation frameworks.
 
Conclusion: Digital technologies should be regarded not merely as ancillary tools but as a holistic strategy capable of reconfiguring the traditional dichotomy between static conservation and economic development. By transforming the mausoleum into an interactive digital platform, the study demonstrates a replicable model for the safeguarding of underrepresented heritage sites, while simultaneously advancing cultural tourism and supporting sustainable heritage management.

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  • Receive Date 11 October 2025
  • Revise Date 03 January 2026
  • Accept Date 09 February 2026