Articles

The Spectacle of Nature in VR and the Sense of the Sublime


Abstract


Virtual reality offers an innovative way to explore nature and succeeds in generating a strong sense of presence in simulated environments and intense emotions such as the sublime. The use of VR360 applied to natural landscapes allows for immersive experiences that bring people closer to nature, highlight its fragility, and stimulate new forms of ecological awareness. In an era marked by the biodiversity crisis, virtual reality positions itself as an ally for conservation, fostering environmental education and emotional engagement. The project “The Spectacle of Nature in VR and the Sense of the Sublime” unites virtual reality, biodiversity, and slow tourism in the Parks of Salento. Through VR360 reconstructions of priority habitats and coastal landscapes, the visitor is “teleported” into natural scenarios that would otherwise be difficult to access. This immersive experience reduces the impact of travel and promotes more sustainable and respectful tourism. VR360 is configured as a device capable of combining the aesthetic of the sublime, technological innovation, and the protection of biodiversity.

Keywords


Biodiversity, Nature, Video, VR, digital sublime

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2423/i22394303v15Sp105

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