Virtuella Möten i Publik Arkeologi

Abstract

Archaeological surveys and excavations in Sweden rarely contribute meaningfully to sustainable and public forms of heritage management or care and development of the cultural environment. Research has shown that the situation persists largely due to the lack of clear understanding, directives and requirements from administrative authorities. This thesis aims to determine how digital public archaeology can support the development of sustainable heritage and bridge the gap between experts and the public. Building on previous work in the field of public archaeology, it asks: How can we design a digital mode of public archaeology to generate an accessible and meaningful interaction with the public, and to support sustainable heritage? In this context, accessible and sustainable heritage refers to a relationship between expert, public and cultural heritage, where members of the public are encouraged to participate in, question and contribute to heritage interpretations and their production. Two case studies were conducted, using a set of questions based on a critical theoretical framework grounded in postcolonial understandings of power, representation and portrayal of the past. In both cases augmented reality had been used to describe and communicate archaeological interpretations of places and their remains. Analysis of the case studies showed a wide range of design choices that either facilitated or prevented accessibility. The results, together with a review of relevant literature, were used to formulate a set of guidelines for future designs. These recommendations outline the need to maintain a dialogical and participatory approach in digital public archaeology, and the value of communicating the interconnectivity of natural and cultural, social and material, present and past in heritage and the cultural environment. Primarily, further research is needed wherein these technologies, concepts and guidelines are applied in archaeological and public archaeological fieldwork, to assess their practical use in supporting accessibility, sustainable heritage and cultural environments.