Integrating AR Technology with I-Space Theory for Safeguarding Henan’s Clay Sculpture Intangible Cultural Heritage

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical exploration of how augmented reality (AR) technology can be utilised to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of Henan clay sculptures. Drawing on the I-Space framework from information theory, the study conceptualises ICH as a structured flow of information that can be encoded, abstracted, and diffused through digital means. In response to the erosion of original cultural environments, the paper proposes a model that utilizes AR to support the reconstruction and transmission of ICH in alignment with modern digital ecosystems. Three core challenges — technical encoding, semantic abstraction, and communicative effectiveness — are examined through Shannon and Weaver’s communication theory and mapped across the I-Space model. The paper further discusses strategic pathways for enhancing the preservation and dissemination of clay sculpture heritage using AR. While theoretical in nature, this study lays the groundwork for future empirical research that aims to integrate digital technology with cultural preservation, providing new insights for creative multimedia applications in heritage contexts.