Augmented locality: The utilisation of urban screens in public places as new networks of the city

Abstract

Augmented space is a contemporary — but debatable — topic in urban design. As a concept, augmented space is considered more than just a visual and is utilised in various ways in the public realm. We can refer to it as the digital realm of the public place. One major application of digital realm in urban design is the utilisation of urban screens in public place, which is studied in this paper. However, there are pros and cons from the utilisation of urban screens in the public place. This paper first explores the concept of augmented space and introduces three different models of utilising urban screens in the public place. Each model is supported by a case study. This study does not necessarily support the increasing usage of urban screens in the public place but rather argues about methods of utilising them through a careful design consideration. Through examples of three models, this paper addresses two aspects of: (a) various ways of implementing urban screens in the public place and (b) potentials and threats for the use of augmented space in the public place. Although augmented space in the public place can be both effective and harmful to the urban setting, it should not necessarily be neglected in the process of public place design. It should rather be considered as an added layer in the public place, and should not be merely utilised for the purpose of commercialisation, advertisement, misinformation, public discourse and political process that may lead to its false or excessive usage. Finally, this study offers a list of possibilities for designers as place making strategies.