Simon Couchman,

Victoria

...Interconnected Chinatowns around the world – Interactive Chinese Museum, Gallery and Visitor's Centre – Utilize technology already in the hands of the user - Active and passive interaction online and on the ground – Public ownership of public space...

Concept

This proposal aims to enhance public space within Chinatown districts around the world; linking information, events and people using interactive technology. Public space associated with the various Chinatowns would be interconnected using a common database. A virtual museum, gallery and visitor's centre is proposed to expose the public to different cultural and historical exhibits and information existing in different locations. The public nature of the facilities provided is intended to enhance social coherence and broaden cultural awareness within participating communities.

Multiple users would be able to logon to the database to search for information or communicate with others. The exploration of information and communication between individuals within the virtual space would be publicly displayed on screens within physical spaces in Chinatown locations. This is intended to integrate virtual and physical public space and promote intellectual stimulation and interaction within the public domain.

Technology

All-weather electronic screens, commonly used as advertising billboards, could be used to display information relating to the various Chinatown's around the world. The public would be able to operate and navigate the database displayed on the screens by simply using their personal mobile phones. Also, SMS communication could be utilized to send and receive information within the public spaces of Chinatown locations with further implications for other public spaces. This way the cultural phenomenon of mobile phone use could be incorporated into the public domain using technology already available and familiar to most people.

Content

Physical spaces within the Chinatown locations around the world could be linked via a live broadcast and displayed on the public screens. Chinese festivals and performances occurring in one or more of the Chinatown locations could be witnessed by a global audience using this technology. The linking of physical space in this way would broaden the usability and add to public curiosity in the locations themselves.

Other information accessible within the proposed database might include images of rare or fragile exhibits, historical tours and genealogical data relating to people who have lived and worked in the various Chinatowns.

A virtual visitor's centre could be created to encourage public input within the virtual domain. Individual's experiences, restaurant reviews and the like could be uploaded for public display. This would enable users to interact on an active level; contributing information and engaging in direct conversation, or passively; simply viewing the contributions of others.

Public Ownership

It is intended that commercial interests are peripheral to this proposal. As with most museums and galleries around the world, this public domain would promote exchange on a cultural level without commercial input. It is recognized that commercial activity surrounding physical public space is generally important to stimulate interaction within the public realm; however, the cultural potential of the public domain may be eroded if it is allowed to control the space. Retaining public ownership of the public domain is fundamental to this idea, with sponsorship provided from government and community bodies only.


Case Study

A vacant lot known as Cohen Square within Melbourne's Chinatown district offers a unique opportunity to implement a hybrid, virtual-physical public space. The square is located adjacent the existing Chinese-Australian History Museum and is under-utilized in its current capacity as a car park. A vibrant street which acts as the main access spine to the district runs alongside Cohen Square; however the 3-4 storey blank walls surrounding the space obscure the entry to the existing museum and discourage public use of the area.

It is proposed that electronic screens be mounted around the square to act as portals to virtual spaces beyond, effectively 'opening up' the surrounding blank walls. A glazed physical link to the existing museum could be created to incorporate a new virtual museum and gallery that would overlook and be accessible to the square. Iconic, hi-tech structures to house and shelter some screens and information kiosks would help provide all-weather access to facilities and attract public interest to explore the area. Cafes and apartments constructed adjacent the square would further help populate this new public activity zone.

Successful Public Domain

Common threads exist between the creation of successful virtual and physical public spaces. This proposal seeks to establish virtual spaces that relate to the physical spaces they are used in. By introducing technology that can incorporate a virtual theme corresponding to that of the physical space it exists in, a meaningful union of space, culture and people can be achieved.