A Dynamic Method and Interactive Software to Monitor and Design Place Identity

Abstract

The rapid consumption of culture for chiefly economic benefit is leading the contemporary city towards the loss of place identity which is increasingly becoming hybrid, transitory and compromised. In order to analyse the new urban complexity several researchers have tested methods, maps, multimedia images, hypertext, and software. Indeed, computer science has in recent decades become a useful support for improving studies and applications in the field of area investigations. Starting from these premises, the aim of this chapter is to propose the PlaceMaker method and software as well as a synopsis of the experiments which were carried out. PlaceMaker is an original urban analysis and design method which both detects elements that do not feature in traditional mapping and constitutes the contemporary identity resources of the places, and it also identifies appropriate planning interventions also related to new needs and enterprises related to cultural resources. The questions related to the software development will complete the chapter.