Adaptive Reuse of Cultural Heritage Elements and Fragments in Public Spaces: The Internet of Cultural Things and Applications as Infrastructures for Learning in Smart Cities

Abstract

This work explores mechanisms for realization of the Internet of Cultural Things (IoCT) and applications in public spaces in the context of learning cities and smart cities. Focusing on the constructs of awareness, learning, and engagement, the purpose of this work is to explore the potential for animating cultural heritage elements or fragments using the IoCT and applications in public spaces. Theoretically this work is situated at the intersection of adaptive reuse and designing for deconstruction enabled by the IoCT and applications in support of learning cities and smart cities. Using a case study approach, qualitative and quantitative data are gathered through in-depth interviews and an online survey. Anecdotal evidence is also gathered in parallel with this study through group and individual interviews enabling further analysis and triangulation of data. This work makes a contribution to the research literature across several domains – the IoCT and applications, cultural heritage, learning cities, and smart cities. This work also contributes to the discussion and debate spaces for ambient culture and ambient heritage with the potential to influence new directions for future research and practice.