Extending Civic Participation (in Public Spaces)

In this chapter we analyse how digital applications dedicated to coloured collection could enhance civic participation through the Open Space Museum prototype, curiosity and social cohesion. The first section deals with the Open Space Museum, designed by Arthur Clay and N55, that features a portable, modular exhibition showcasing diverse artworks to foster public engagement and artistic interaction. It includes Case Study and Chroma Elements, AR technology, and engagement applications, creating a versatile, immersive, and pandemic-ready cultural space that extends traditional museum hours. The second part focuses on how curiosity can foster civic participation by prompting exploration and learning. It transforms from a negative trait to a valued tool for motivation, encouraging people to resolve uncertainties and seek knowledge. Berlyne’s concept of curiosity defines it as a response to environmental complexity and gaps in knowledge, leading to active inquiry. This positive feedback loop aids engagement in cultural heritage, supported by PERCEIVE’s curiosity-driven interactive design. CNR researchers conducted a four-day campaign at MANN in June 2023, digitizing statues with polychromy traces and analyzing public curiosity. Visitors participated in guided tours, viewing diagnostic techniques and 3D acquisition, which sparked high interest in ancient sculpture coloration, diagnostic methods, and digital reconstruction. The last section is dedicated to Social cohesion, essential for stable relationships in society. Encouraging civic participation through cultural activities strengthens democracy and fosters community connections, bridging social boundaries and empowering citizens to feel engaged and cohesive within their communities.