Urban dynamics and multimedia mapping: a complex approach

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 and dynamics, researchers have tested methods, maps, multimedia images, hypertext and software. Indeed, in recent decades, computer science has become a useful support for improving studies and applications in the field of area investigations. This paper describes the PlaceMaker method and software. PlaceMaker is an original urban analysis and design tool that detects elements that do not feature in traditional mapping and which constitute the contemporary identity resources of places; it also identifies appropriate planning interventions related to new needs and enterprises relating to cultural resources. Some experimental applications are summarised and issues relating to software development are discussed.