Preserving the Past for the Future: 3D Scanning and Community Involvement in Hong Kong's Heritage Conservation

In the face of rapid urban development in Hong Kong, a unique project since 2016 has been capturing the essence of traditional small businesses via sketches and a novel 3D scanning method using Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF). This collaborative effort between artists and community shop owners produces detailed 3D point cloud models of historic shops, enabling virtual preservation and exploration. The project evolves further into a performative art project, "Foreseen Property Agency," which reimagines the value of these traditional businesses in a speculative commercial setting. This initiative challenges perceptions of cultural heritage and market dynamics, offering a critical commentary on urban transformation.

Additionally, the digitization process results in the creation of the "Book of Points," a physical publication that narrates the spatial and aesthetic essence of these shops through a non-conventional medium, emphasizing the project's innovative blend of art, technology, and community heritage preservation. The initiative's findings underscore the authenticity of a community-led archival process and its potential to foster political dialogue and cultural reevaluation. Through interactive exhibitions and an online archive, this project not only combats the disappearance of small businesses but also enriches public engagement and the understanding of Hong Kong's rapidly changing social landscape.