Authors: Ina Šuklje Erjavec
To better understand and present the complexity of the relationship between users’ needs for space use and quality and the necessary attributes and ways of using ICT tools to improve various aspects of space quality, we have prepared an overview table that includes and shortly describes key spatial quality aspects of the outdoor setting, list of some user needs related to both spatial and ICT use, ICT attributes relevant to fulfil those needs, some possibilities and types of ICT implementation, and suggestions of related added values to listed spatial quality aspects.
Legend:
- AR = Augmented Reality
- LT = Location Technology
- W = Wi-Fi
- VT = Vision Technology
- DM+ = Data Management plus more
| SPATIAL QUALITY ASPECTS | USER NEEDS | DIGITAL TOOLS /ICT | DIGITAL TOOLS /ICT | ADDED VALUES |
| Attributes | Type of implementation | |||
| (Public) Accessibility | Physical accessibility orientation, navigation, access for all (inclusiveness) Accessibility to technology – skills/use, affordability, equality (inclusiveness) | Easy to use (intuitive) devices, (no need to be ICT-literate) Path quality – access for all Online information before visiting place – available for all needs | Wayfinding apps – “filtering’ based on user profile and requirements Overlaying of additional information within App for specific purposes (augmented reality); In-situ devices LT, AR | • Enhancing access for all (facilitating it) • Responding more specifically to user requirements, • Possibility for user feedback to enrich data |
| Security | To feel safe in the space, not to be controlled or observed; to retain: – physical safety – emotional/ – psychological safety Internet security – not to be hacked | Physical and virtual privacy, confidence, alert to danger, feedback, security check | ICT tools and apps for: – Lighting – Sound and light interactivity – Suitable structure of place, good visibility, – Validated networks Monitoring cameras AR, LT, VT, W, DM | • Social networking • User’s involvement • New users • Higher usability • New ways of lighting • Flexibility • Activation system |
| Legibility | To understand the place/move easily | Readability | Planning – Layout and way-marking AR, LT, VT, W, DM | Better orientation flow of movement |
| Clear Identity of place | Unique features | Artworks, landscaping, facilities | Recognition, significance | |
| Sociability | Participation and inclusion Interaction | Gathering / social settings Interactive settings Play features | Clear space/ICT demarcation /time- independent but spatially localised social interaction AR, W, DM, LT | Well-being and social cohesion, ownership/care sense of belonging, e-agora |
| Adaptability | Adapt to special needs Co-create – temporarily change Capacity for individual change | Future-proof design Flexibility Ephemerality | Apps, Wi-Fi Sensors, Screens and other in-situ devices and settings (Regular maintenance and updating needed) VT, DM, W | Co-creation, citizen input, experimentation of solutions, possibly temporary |
| Functionality | Accessibility Comfort | Welcoming spaces, clear pathways | Social design and facility provision DM, LT | System trust |
| Connectability | Between spaces (permeability), people and information | Secure and high-bandwidth provision | Maintaining networks, facilitation W, DM | Social cohesion, communication |
| Variety | Attractors Opportunity of choice | Gaming, social, information layers | Embedded games and play, socially hybrid spaces – e.g. chess/coffee AR, LT, VT, W, DM | • Enjoyment • Play • New uses • Innovation |
| (Social) resilience in the face of emergency | Obtain and give effective and reliable information; Knowledge as to where to go; Access to amenities Organisational support for groups | Quick responsiveness Spatial adaptability to user needs ICT-functioning support Accessibility (to both space and technology) | Energy independence or passive energy generation Monitoring devices e.g. air/water quality, waste… W, DM, VT, LT | • Timely information provision and exchange • A direct communication channel e.g. via social media • Monitoring available resources |
| Environmental / ecological sustainability | Optimal microclimate Water retention Biodiversity Pollution and natural disaster mitigation | Real-time monitoring via sensors Visualising the information in situ | Sensors Screens Apps DM, VT, LT, in situ sensors | • Raising awareness and knowledge • Support policymaking and management |
| Health (physical and mental) and wellbeing | Outdoor physical activity Mental restoration (connection with nature) Knowledge about optimal environmental conditions to carry out physical activity | Challenging and attractive environment for physical activities; Virtual environment to enhance wellbeing; Real-time information; Health-related statistics | Innovative elements that invite one to perform physical activities Screens, Apps Games AR, VT, LT, DM | • Raising awareness, knowledge, promotion of a healthy lifestyle; • Attract new people outdoors; Incentivise activity of visitors; • Offer new experiences |
References:
- Šuklje Erjavec, I. & Žlender, V. (2020). Categorization of digital tools for co-creation of public open spaces. Key aspects and possibilities. Planning Practice and Research (165-183). In Smaniotto Costa, C., Mačiulienė, M., Menezes, M. & Goličnik Marušić, B. (Eds.). Co-Creation of Public Open Places. Practice – Reflection – Learning. C3Places Project. Lisbon: Lusófona University Press. https://doi.org/10.24140/2020-sct-vol.4-2.1.
- Šuklje Erjavec, Ina, and Ruchinskaya, Tatiana (2019). A Spotlight of Co-Creation and Inclusiveness of Public Open Spaces. In CyberParks – The Interface Between People, Places and Technology, edited by Smaniotto Costa C. et al. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 11380. Springer, Cham.
- CyberParks Project. Pool of Examples (n.d.). Retrieved June 7, 2019. Available at http://cyberparks-project.eu/examples