An-Najah National University hosted a three-day technical training workshop from October 6–8, 2026, as part of the European Union-funded Erasmus+ FORWARD project. Titled “Digital Documentation, AI and Immersive Storytelling for Urban Resilience,” the workshop explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and advanced digital technologies in documenting, preserving, and presenting urban and cultural heritage.
The workshop was designed and delivered online by Dr. Ramzi Hassan, Head of the Virtual Reality Laboratory at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), with on-site facilitation by An-Najah National University. It brought together 12 participants, primarily students from the University’s Architectural Engineering Department, for three days of interactive lectures, live demonstrations, and hands-on training.
The workshop opened with remarks by Dr. Zahraa Zawawi, FORWARD Project Coordinator at An-Najah National University, who introduced the project, its objectives, and the participating team. Prof. Allam Mousa, who leads the University’s AI and VR activities, supervised the on-campus training, providing technical guidance and supporting participants throughout the practical sessions.
On the first day, Dr. Hassan introduced participants to reality capture and 3D visualization techniques, demonstrating the capabilities of the XGRIDS PortalCam, which uses AI-powered 3D Gaussian Splatting technology, alongside the Polycam mobile application. Participants applied these tools to capture and create three-dimensional models of buildings and architectural features across An-Najah’s campus. The resulting models were processed in the laboratory, with selected outputs subsequently published online.
The second day focused on immersive media production and virtual reality applications. Following a review of their initial 3D models and feedback from Dr. Hassan, participants used Insta360 cameras to capture 360-degree photographs and videos, create interactive virtual tours, and explore their work using VR headsets.
On the final day, Dr. Hassan delivered a session on AI-assisted historical reconstruction, highlighting the potential of emerging technologies to digitally recreate heritage environments while emphasizing the importance of distinguishing historically documented evidence from speculative interpretations. He also introduced the workshop’s group project, encouraging participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training.
The programme also featured contributions from three guest speakers. Architect Nasir Arafat presented the historical and architectural significance of Nablus’s Old City, while Mr. Abdulrahman Alkhateeb discussed the role of artificial intelligence in communicating Palestinian history, heritage, and cultural narratives. Mr. Paolo Tosolini shared practical insights into capturing and developing 3D Gaussian Splatting models.
The workshop forms part of the FORWARD project (No. 101236948), an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education initiative coordinated by Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), in partnership with institutions from Norway, Italy, Palestine, and Ukraine.
Implemented under Work Package 3, Task 3.3, the training contributes to the integration of VR laboratory capabilities, AI tools, and data analysis services, supporting the development of practical digital skills and innovative approaches to urban heritage documentation and preservation.
