Metaverso de la Hacienda Panelarte

Abstract

Hacienda Panelarte is an interactive digital work representing the metaverse of the sugar mill, resulting from the research-creation conducted at the Universidad Santo Tomás, Colombia, in 2023. This metaverse encapsulates the cultural heritage of the sugar mill, emphasizing its unique language, inherent meanings, trades, and the intrinsic architecture of the panela production process. Through its exploration, there is an opportunity to delve into artistic expressions, architecture, traditional language, characters, and trades of the sugar mill, accompanied by the history and textures unique to this sugar mill landscape. These elements have been compiled to provide a singular experience. The purpose of this metaverse is to contribute to the preservation of the cultural tradition associated with sugar mill estates, integral parts of the history and territorial identity of Piedecuesta, Colombia. To achieve this goal, close and ongoing contact was established with individuals possessing knowledge of the sugar mill tradition, characterizing the social and cultural dynamics that have shaped this tradition throughout history. As a result of this effort, an interactive digital work is presented, documenting and offering an immersive experience in the sugar mill estate. Furthermore, it provides future generations with a platform to explore and keep alive in their memory the tradition of sugar mill estates.