IN-PERSON: Prague – Section A

Abstract

Τhis research is a part of a larger research project called INTERARCH that is carried out since 2020 and several phases have already been presented. The project aims to enhance archaeological sites through the design of digital applications, taking into account the opportunities of digital interconnectivity, as well as the fact that this implementation may be competitor to the experience of the natural environment. The research takes place in Ancient Messene, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southern Greece. The integration of digital data enables the implementation of non‐linear narratives related to the representational characteristics of the art of collage. Images (photographs, drawings, etc.) and sounds (narrations, soundscapes, etc.) can be presented through new semiotics of augmented and virtual reality technologies, applied in touch screens and smartphones. The combined function of scrolling and fixed display layout, whether used for text or photos, can promote various data correlations. Moreover, different tools of linking information are provided, such as hyperlinks of proposed narratives or images, indicating spatial connections within and beyond the archaeological site as well as wider semantic associations, pop-ups elements, presenting additional comments or drop-down texts that may unfold more detailed information. Consequently, the rhythm of occurrences can be adjusted according to the visitors’ preferences, providing the possibility of multiple visit scenarios. Cultural references may be revealed more or less fragmented, according to individuals’ intuition and knowledge, however, the design in question, suggests the experience of the natural environment as the coherent assemblage of spacial and historical continuity.