Remembering the Past, Imagining the Future: Embedding Narrative and New Media in Urban Planning
 

Greg Hearn (QUT), Marcus Foth (QUT), Bhishna Bajracharya (Bond University), Kerry Mallan (QUT) and Helen Klaebe (QUT)
ARC Linkage Grant LP0882274
2008 – 2010
 

Abstract
Narrative based new media innovations, such as digital stories, computer gaming, and location based scenarios can enrich community engagement in the urban planning process. Community derived stories of the past and future can thereby inform policy and modelling to preserve heritage and yield more sustainable cities. A research team comprising creatives, new media specialists, educators, and urban planners will research, develop and evaluate a suite of creative outputs and allied planning prototypes in two urban locations: Kelvin Grove and Noosa. Comparative analysis will provide insights into different regional dynamics and assist transfer of outcomes to other Australian communities.

This project supports new media creativity and literacy in two Australian communities. It helps people participate in the urban planning process. It assists in improving a sense of belonging and fosters human talent and socio-cultural values favourable to creativity and innovation. By empowering people to bring about change within their local community, the project re-invigorates a more contemporary interpretation of community values in a knowledge society. Australia’s capacity to interpret and engage with its urban environment is also enhanced by raising our awareness of the socio-cultural background, heritage and future aspirations of local community members.
 

Partners

• Australian Research Council
• FKP
• Sunshine Coast Regional Council
• Noosa District State High School

Publications
Foth, M., Bajracharya, B., Brown, R. & Hearn, G. (2009). The Second Life of urban planning? Using NeoGeography tools for community engagement. Journal of location based services, 3(2), 97 – 117.
Bajracharya B., Too L., Imukuka J. K, and Hearn G. (2009, Sept). "Developing knowledge precincts in regional towns: Opportunities and challenges" Paper presented at the 2nd international urban design conference: Survival: Implementing tomorrow's city. Gold Coast, Australia.
Foth, M., Klaebe, H., & Hearn, G. (2008). The Role of New Media and Digital Narratives in Urban Planning and Community Development. Body, Space & Technology, 7(2).
Foth, M., Hearn, G., & Klaebe, H. (2007, Sep 9-12). Embedding Digital Narratives and New Media in Urban Planning. Paper presented at the Digital Resources for the Humanities and Arts (DRHA) Conference, Dartington, South Devon, UK.
(http://www.urbaninformatics.net/projects/urban-narratives/)