Creating Spaces is a European (EFRO) research project exploring the possibilities of multi-touch technology (and its interactions with the physical and networked environment) for communicating the past, present, and upcoming projects outside the walls of art centre Z33 in the framework of a large 'art in public space' project. The multi-touch will act as a permanent hub/link/archive to present and explore the projects that are planned and produced in different places in (public) space. The multi-touch will offer an opportunity to open the discourse to a wider public about art in public space, both conceptually and literally.

Creating Spaces explores the social possibilities of multi-touch via the integration of online and physical places. This research allows experimentation with playful interaction via table interfaces and its added value for real-life projects. 

The project researches the technical and content related possibilities of multi-touch technology to facilitate and enrich public participation in and communication about public art projects. It enables in-depth design research about modes of interaction with the multi-touch interface that experiments with mash-up maps, remixing and folding. It enables the presentation of projects in public space in a digital map that can be opened up, shared, remixed and 'augmented' with additional layers of information.

Creating Spaces will result in the development of a multi-touch table with an open and participatory interface that can be used as a tool for presentation and conversation around the art in public space projects by art centre Z33 (Hasselt, Belgium). The multi-touch table will function as a visual reference and meeting point for the Z33 team, as well as the larger public and external partners such as artists and investors. A first prototype of Creating Spaces was installed at Open Structures (exhibition at Z33) allowed the user to re-experience the exhibition. A second prototype was used in a public event where the mayor of the City of Genk gave a presentation via the multi-touch interface. Other prototypes will follow.

EFRO-research project partners are Z33, EDM (UHasselt) & MDA (KHLim).