MAPS – Mapping and Archiving Public Spaces project aimed to identify, map and archive public spaces, architecture and monuments which were part of our cultural heritage, but were not yet identified as such. Through oral histories, creative digital tools and active audience participation, MAPS developed a methodology of redefining the role of public spaces, and an approach of rethinking monuments as places, which carryed significant symbolic power for the inhabitants, the immediate users of those public spaces. MAPS was finding creative ways to present cultural heritage and builded a geo-location based participatory online platform and mobile app, which informed public on the importance of cultural heritage and allows users to co-created its content.

The basis for the platform was a map-based archive, consisting of (art) historical and architectural data and photos of the location, which presented its history and current state. Selected locations included video documentaries, interviews with the community and field recordings, and VR models of the sites. With digitization of cultural heritage and participatory models MAPS democratized the process of preserving cultural heritage and developed audiences through their direct involvement in the project. MAPS promoted transnational mobility through researchers, who traveled to locations, artists, who stayed in residencies to developed site-specific interventions and creative technologists, who engaged in training and development of tools. All the achievements were presented on symposia and promoted through a vast network of offline and online channels.

By researching, collecting, mapping and archiving the forgotten, decaying and otherwise overlooked gems of architecture, monuments and public spaces, we made an important contribution in sustaining and reviving the European heritage. Through reuse, repurpose and revitalization of public spaces and monuments, MAPS connected the missing dots and adds to the mosaic of European memory and identity.