MSc Design Innovation & International Management School of Innovation & Technology

Disha Katti

Driven by an insatiable curiosity for new experiences and the world around me, my creativity thrives on the interplay of diverse ideas and disciplines. As a student at the Glasgow School of Art, I explore the convergence of digital innovation, cultural narratives, and design theory to create impactful, resonant experiences. My work is rooted in storytelling, using design as a dynamic tool to engage and influence both the present and future landscapes.

My project on Holistic Documentation of Heritage Sites is a testament to this approach, blending digital tools with traditional insights to preserve and animate historical narratives in a way that connects deeply with contemporary audiences. By positioning my projects at the intersections of technology, art, and social commentary, I aim to foster rich dialogues and transformative encounters that challenge and redefine conventional boundaries in design.

Contact
dishakatti@gmail.com
d.katti1@student.gsa.ac.uk
LinkedIn
Projects
Tethering Heritage

Mapping for Sensemaking

Storyboarding

Tethering Heritage

A Holistic Approach to Built Heritage Documentation

In my thesis project, I explored the complex process of heritage documentation, choosing Rosslyn Chapel as a focal point to challenge and expand the traditional methods that often prioritize tangible elements, such as architecture, over the intangible narratives that embody a site’s true essence. This journey began with a thorough analysis of current documentation practices, which revealed a significant gap in capturing the ‘aura’ and cultural depth that traditional digital tools often fail to preserve.

To address this, I adopted a multifaceted approach, integrating both digital advancements and traditional insights. In the initial phase, I conducted extensive data gathering, collecting a wide array of personal stories and perspectives from the local community to establish a rich understanding of their ties to the heritage. This foundation enabled a more engaged and inclusive documentation process.

In the second phase, I facilitated participatory discussions to analyze the collected data more deeply. This process helped identify thematic clusters and envision future scenarios where community narratives could play a pivotal role in heritage documentation and preservation. This phase was crucial in integrating local insights into the broader framework of heritage conservation, ensuring that the documentation was not only comprehensive but also representative of the community’s historical and cultural landscape.

Using tools such as actor-network maps and asset maps, I visualized the complex interconnections between various stakeholders and the heritage site. These tools were instrumental in guiding the development of a more democratized approach to heritage documentation, highlighting underutilized local resources and the need for more inclusive strategies to sustain community engagement over time.

The process map I developed, based on existing archives and frameworks, aimed to understand the standard procedures in heritage documentation and identify gaps. This theoretical map outlined each step; from site identification to public engagement with precision, aligning with both community needs and conservation goals. While this map remains a conceptual tool, it provides a foundational blueprint for future projects that aim to integrate community involvement with both digital and traditional methods in heritage documentation. This approach was designed to safeguard not only the physical structure of Rosslyn Chapel but also its intangible cultural narratives, ensuring a holistic conservation effort that resonates with both locals and visitors.

The Living Digital Archive and Story Hotspots support this holistic documentation by integrating both tangible and intangible elements of Rosslyn Chapel’s heritage. Traditional methods often focus solely on the site’s physical structure, but these proposals ensure that the cultural narratives, personal memories, and lived experiences of the local community are equally preserved. By capturing voices, stories, and traditions tied to specific locations through Story Hotspots, the documentation becomes more comprehensive and representative of the site’s full significance; blending historical facts with the emotions and experiences that truly define the heritage. This approach ensures that future generations will inherit not only the physical architecture but also the rich, evolving narratives that shape the chapel’s identity.

This entire process has been a transformative learning experience, highlighting design innovation as a powerful tool for dialogue, engagement, and social impact in heritage conservation. Through this project, I’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtful and inclusive approach to heritage documentation can enrich our understanding of historical sites, making them more accessible and relevant to both contemporary and future generations.

Stone Whispers, Community Echoes

Question Cards for community engagement

Living Digital Archive

Community Engagement (2)

Community Engagement