Exposing Collections through Interaction Ecologies: A Prototype for Architectural Ephemera

Abstract

This study introduces a model for the observation and design of digital collections exhibitions rooted on three concepts: interaction ecologies, exposing collections, and architectural ephemera. The study examines how to go beyond the “one user, one device” approach in GLAMs, what it means to expose a collection, and what it means to consider architectural elements as ephemera. We define interaction ecologies as the approach to a context in which individuals of different species (devices and humans included) entertain rich and floating relationships appropriate to the roles, activities, and postures they assume. This perspective offers novel possibilities on the exhibition of digital collections. In addition, we discuss the concepts of exposing a collection and the translation of architectural elements to transient artifacts to preserve memory. This discussion allows a series of qualities to emerge that together constitute a model for the observation of collection exhibitions. The study includes the presentation of the exhibition “Ankara Balcony Balustrades 1950–75,” which, by focusing on these aspects, acts as a prototype of the model and helps in verifying the application and its results.