Collaborative approaches for the digital documentation, representation and design of territories and landscapes

Lecturers:  Sara Favargiotti (DICAM); Camilla Pezzica (Cardiff University, UK); Giovanna A. Massari (DICAM); Chiara Chioni (DICAM)

Timetable: July 2024

Programme:

This intensive workshop aims to equip participants with practical knowledge, tools, and a collaborative mindset to contribute effectively to the digital documentation, representation and design of territories and landscapes. By embracing accessible and low-cost methods, incorporating digital mapping, analysis and stakeholders’ engagement, attendees will be better prepared to support decision-making processes and contribute to the sustainable development of territories and landscapes. Through this workshop, students, researchers, and scholars will be empowered with valuable skills and insights to design and plan in the
digital age. This workshop proposes collaborative approaches to digitally document territories and landscapes, emphasising accessibility, low-cost methods, and practical tools as a key step for implementing a circular economic cycle. It will explore the potential of digital twinning and multidimensional landscape mapping, with a special emphasis on urban green spaces in the Trentino-AltoAdige mountain region. Through the integration of interactive maps, 2.5D/3D scenes, Space Syntax analysis, 360° images, and collaborative design, the workshop aims to support decision-making processes in both urban and landscape design and planning. This course will provide an opportunity for reflection and improvement based on the shared insights and experiences.

Examples of topics covered by the course are:
● Foundations of Digital Twinning and landscape GIS landscape GIS mapping for a comprehensive documentation of territories and landscapes. Case studies and best practices will be presented to gain inspiration and insights into real-world applications.
● Space Syntax Analysis as a method to study spatial configurations and connectivity at different scales. Hands-on exercises and case studies will be used to illustrate its practical use.
● Collaborative Mapping as a way to engage stakeholders in the digital documentation process and the use of collaborative mapping platforms. Among others, participants may experiment with the capture and processing of 360° imagery and other media, making it an integral part of the digital documentation process.
● Co-design approach, involving local authorities, community representatives, and experts supported by a range of digital inputs. This will focus on the creation of web-based interactive maps, which integrate different media for effective communication.
● Decision Support and Design Integration, with attention to future directions. The workshop will emphasise how digital documentation can aid decision-making in both project design and urban planning. Participants will engage in focused discussions on how participants can apply their newfound knowledge and skills in their own projects and research.

Participants will present their results and receive constructive feedback from the instructors and tutors. At the end of this course participants are expected to:
● Gain an understanding of digital twinning and the creation of multidimensional landscape maps and the role that tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can play to this end.
● Learn to create 3D representations of urban green spaces and other features of interest using both new and readily available resources and data. Local and global case studies can be explored.
● Understand the application of Space Syntax analysis in urban design and planning, and explore the synergy between it and territorial mapping.
● Developing actionable recommendations based on the outcome of collaborative digital documentation experiments and follow-on focused discussions.

Duration: 16 hours (2 credits)

Registration:
Researchers and students (doctoral and post-docs) who are interested in participating in the course have to write an email to sara.favargiotti [at] unitn.it by June 2024.