Exploring the use of existing and emergent digital technologies + strategies in enabling a greater sense of place in an urban context : a case study of Fort Kochi, Kerala

Master's Thesis at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Faculty 1: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geomatics, Master Program "Urban Agglomerations". Abstract Digital media today enables people to connect easily with each other, no matter where they may be in the world. It is also a means of connecting with the world, particulary in contemporary urban environments. However, given the relentless and rather stressful nature of modern city life, digital media has often been perceived as a distraction, or as something that ‘displaces’ people, thus preventing the formation of fulfilling or more enriching connections with places. Thus, this thesis is an investigation into the potential of existing and emergent digital media in enabling a sense of place in an urban environment. This is achieved via a comprehensive review of literature pertaining to human experience of space and place, characterizing the role of technology and digital media as a mediator of human-world/environment relations, identification of relevant examples of media that can aid this process, followed by the contextualization of the study and the formulation of digital strategies that will enable the creation of a sense of place in the selected context. It was determined that the creation of an integrated digital platform will allow users to gain a sense of place by combining the potential of social, locative, and interactive media, which further creates a foundation for place awareness through exploration and experience, place attachment through participation and inclusion, as well as place memory - which in essence is a sense of place. In conclusion, it was determined that digital media can indeed aid the creation of sense of place in an urban environment