• The mediation of place and locality

• The distinction between the real and the virtual

• The body as a frame of information

The work presented here is based on a long-term study of the BBC’s Big Screen network, a unique network of connected screens across the UK. The case study that forms a central part of this paper is drawn from the analysis of content designed specifically for presentation on the BBC’s Big Screen in centre of Bradford. Whilst they key focus of the paper is the transformation in the experience of urban space as a consequence of the introduction of the screens into prominent city centres locations, many other issues come to light in respect of the management of media content designed with the locality in mind and the ways that key partnerships develop that means that the screens have a distinctively local quality. In addition, more general issues are discussed in relation to the rapid rise in augmented public space and the role played by the interaction of a number of media technologies. Finally, this paper will briefly consider some innovative ways in which large-scale LED screens have been combined with other technologies such as mobile gaming and social networking in ways that transform participant’s engagement with the locality.

This link goes to the latest draft of the paper submitted to Cyberworlds ‘09.

[7-11 September 2009, University of Bradford, UK, Sponsored by IEEE Computer Society and organised in-cooperation with ACM - link to conference website]