Virtual Kitakyushu Revitalization Design Based on the Case Study of Immersive Legacies Exhibition in Wellington Museum

The article explores the use of virtual technologies to revitalize Kitakyushu, Japan, by drawing on the "Immersive Legacies" exhibition at Wellington Museum, New Zealand, which utilized virtual technologies to great effect. There the Reality-Virtuality Continuum was used to analyze the digital heritage of the "Gordon Wilson Flats". These methods were then applied to address issues that Kitakyushu is facing, such as a declining population, outflow of young migration, and lower gross product. To this end, the study designed four virtual locations: Chugin Street, Kokura Castle, Tanga Market, and Katsuyama Park. These locations were envisioned as virtual commercial streets, VR scenic spots, Virtual Seafood Museum, and virtual gym, respectively. The aim was to use virtual technologies not only to revitalize Kitakyushu but also to offer diverse shopping, touring, educating, and exercising experiences. The study finds that virtual technologies successfully address the challenges faced by Kitakyushu and contribute to its revitalization. Moreover, the research extends the meaning of the Reality-Virtuality Continuum in design for city development and revitalizations.