Amón_RA: the use of ICT to enhance and revitalize a historic neighborhood in Costa Rica

Abstract

The Amón_RA research project is developing augmented reality technology for the enhancement and dissemination of the historic urban landscape (HUL) of barrio Amón; which is intended to show through a mobile application and a web page. This contribution aims to demonstrate the resources that have been identified from the project and analyzed from two perspectives, one, focused on the revaluation of this space as HUL and another, center around the opportunities for economic and social revitalization.

The paper considers part of the results obtained in a process initiated in 2017, by the research project ‘Amón_RA. Implementation of augmented reality as a tool for the enhancement and dissemination of the historic urban landscape of barrio Amón', developed by the Schools of Architecture and Urbanism, Industrial Design and Computing of the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, with the participation of the Department of Geography of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, the Municipality of San José and the Center for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and Youth.

Methodologically, the identification of resources was carried out by collecting information on site. Subsequently, participatory processes were carried out to contrast and complement the information obtained with the vision of the social agents of the neighborhood. Next, the resources were classified, in parallel to the generation of ICT content. With these results, resources with patrimonial values are evidenced and those with potential for socio-cultural, economic and environmental dynamization. Among the data used, the quantitative information obtained from the field surveys and the qualitative information produced by the participatory processes stand out; in addition to a detailed review of bibliographic and documentary sources.

The Amón_RA project, following the approaches of UNESCO (2011), appeals to the use of ICT as a tool that contributes to the education and awareness of cultural heritage, by providing information that allows to expand the historical, cultural, urban and heritage contents. At the same time, it is intended to serve as an instrument to publicize resources and activities offered with the intention to promote the economic and social revitalization of this sector of San José.

Among the results obtained is the geolocation of tangible resources. Within the resources with heritage values, 23 buildings of architectural interest were found, nine of which have a declaration of Historical-Architectural Heritage; in addition, it was possible to identify seven spaces that were called 'Lost Past', those that respond to missing buildings but remain in the collective memory, as well as 19 spaces in which 'Secrets' were established, understood as little known aspects of real estate but interesting to spread. Finally, within this category, three natural elements of importance to the neighborhood were located.

As resources with dynamism potential, a series of elements that make up the ‘Urban Offer’ of the neighborhood were found, which is composed of 14 gastronomic venues, 12 facilities linked to culture and art, 8 lodging services and 12 public institutions. All these results have been translated into the content of the mobile application and web page, which can be visualized through resources such as interactive maps, photographs, augmented reality, 3D models and 360° photographs.

Intangible resources have been classified into information about the origins of the neighborhood, experiences, characters, and activities of the neighborhood. This information is visualized in an interactive timeline, as well as in textual and illustrative content linked to tangible resources.

The main conclusion, it is evident that, despite its depopulation and outsourcing, Amón is a neighborhood in San José that has a series of historical, aesthetic, symbolic, cultural and social heritage values that make it a reference in the city and of the various processes that have shaped its urban configuration. Besides, it has a series of resources and services with the potential to stimulate the neighborhood through ICT.