El Professor Felix Labrador, Professor of Modern History, is the responsible of the Heritage Digitization Project of the Technological Innovation and Talent Cluster (CITT). This ambitious project seeks to preserve and publicize the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Madrid and its surroundingsUsing cutting-edge digital tools. In this Interview conducted by the Madrid+D Knowledge Foundation and can be read in its entirety here, Professor Labrador shares How technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with heritage.
Specifically, highlights the importance of Landscape of Light en Madriddeclared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2021as the symbol of the historical, artistic and identity connection of the city with the Court and the Royal House. This cultural axis, which spans from Atocha to Casa de Campo, is inserted into a broader context that includes Aranjuez and La Granja, integrating historical, cultural, natural and biological aspects. The project seeks to preserve and disseminate this heritage through new technologies, promoting a collective memory from Madrid and European, and strengthening the sense of local belonging y continental Greece.
What role do new technologies play in the study of heritage?
According to Félix Labrador, new technologies have been a real turning point in the field of cultural heritage. These innovations impact on three fundamental dimensions:
1. Digitalization and global access
Digital tools such as 3D scanning and virtual reality make it possible to create precise replicas of historical objects and sites, facilitating their preservation and access from anywhere. “These technologies democratize heritage, taking it beyond physical limits,” the professor points out.
2. Advanced conservation
Technology is revolutionising heritage restoration through non-invasive analysis and techniques such as 3D printing. This makes it possible to identify structural problems in historic materials and to carry out precise and long-lasting interventions without damaging the original pieces.
3. Dissemination and research
Tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and artificial intelligence open up new possibilities for analyzing and documenting heritage. In addition, interactive platforms and guided tour Virtual learning makes learning and dissemination more attractive for new generations.
A project that connects the local and the global
The Heritage Digitization project not only focuses on preserving Madrid's historical heritage, but also on strengthening local cultural identity by connecting it to a European innovation network. Professor Labrador highlights the value of initiatives such as the MOOC “Real Sites as a Professional Resource”, which combines technology and education and has already trained thousands of people in heritage issues, completely free of charge.
In addition, the team has created resources such as the story maps, animated videos and virtual reconstructions, which are openly available on the Cinter project website, bringing heritage closer to a wider audience.
Looking Ahead
The key is to continue innovating: “Artificial intelligence, the blockchain and new scanning technologies will be essential in the coming years,” he concludes. These tools will not only guarantee the preservation of heritage, but will also expand the possibilities for dissemination and citizen participation.
The project continues to move forward, with plans to develop an intelligent database and new digital credentials that allow people to discover Madrid's heritage in an interactive way. “The challenge is to connect society with its cultural heritage and do so in a digital world that is constantly changing.”", concludes.
Want to know more?
Explore digital resources on the website of Cinter Project or in YouTube channel and discover how technology is giving new life to our past.