Creativity and digital transition in central Appennine. Innovative design methods and digital technologies as interactive tools to enable heritage regeneration and community engagement

This contribution proposes strategies of reactivation of the central Apennine of Marche Region in Italy through creative design methods and virtual technologies. The research activities are connected to two related PhD projects: one focusing on architectural and urban design, the other one on heritage digitalization and new technologies and to other research activities of our interdisciplinary team. Cagli, a small town of 8.000 inhabitants, is currently undergoing socio-economic transformations that need to be addressed strategically with a cultural and spatial perspective. The research explores regenerative solutions and local development strategies to enhance the city and its cultural landscape. Participatory processes aided by digital tools and innovative design methods are tested in Cagli’s living lab. A “Reactive Map” combines a trans-scalar and multidisciplinary territorial analysis with visions to identify “potential spaces”—ordinary and unused architectures and places—and elaborate strategic solutions. The “Reactive Map” is thus an essential design tool for the definition of a shared strategy of enhancement, transformation and development of the city and its heritage. The map includes overlapping layers that correspond to the steps of the enhancement process, from analysis to scenario building. The initial GIS representation is enriched by the stories of the community collected during the urban walks. In the co-thinking phase the map raises awareness on the areas’ potentials using embedded panoramas for participatory design. With this paper we aim to introduce a new methodological step, a three-dimensional database which is made of point clouds. The result is a highly descriptive 3D environment able to collect analysis and to be enriched in a participatory way. Final output of the research, the map is meant in its broadest sense, as a fully boosting 3D digital technology that represents both a viable and effective solution to involve citizens and an innovative and interdisciplinary tool for knowledge advancement in the fields of architectural and urban design and heritage regeneration.