The penetration of Information and Communications Technologies into public spaces: some reflections from the Project CyberParks – COST TU 1306

Abstract In this paper we use the European research project CyberParks to discuss the relationship between digital media (smart phones, tablets, wi-fi network) and its use in public open spaces (parks, gardens, squares, etc.) and the contribution of the emerging technologies to improve the quality, production, and maintenance of open spaces through more extensive participation by users. The leading questions of CyberParks are: (1) how ICT affect the use of public space; (2) what are the risks associated with an increasing aggregation of ICT into public spaces; and (3) how new uses contribute to a virtual society concept. In summary: how ICT transform our cities into more inclusive places, rather than just higher tech. The projects seeks to better understand the role of ICT in the production and design of public spaces, and what possibilities they open to increase the understanding of how people use public spaces. The reflection discusses the scope and relevance of the relationship between ICT and public space, followed by the key features and objectives of the CyberParks Project. In sequence, some of the main research lines are discussed from the conceptual framework that guides the project, to finally discuss some preliminary results of a case study conducted in Lisbon.