Optimising usability in museums – Integrated management of data on the use of space and cultural content

Authors

  • Teresa Villani ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome (Italy)
  • Gianmauro Romagna CNR in Rome (Italy)
  • Angelo Oddi CNR in Rome (Italy)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/16192024

Keywords:

usability, museums, space syntax analysis, user behaviour, BIM and IoT

Abstract

In the context of digitalising cultural heritage, museums are evolving from being mere keepers of culture to becoming promoters of knowledge and social participation. This paper explores the museum as a dynamic and inclusive service, advocating for a predictive approach to usability and introducing an integrated methodology that combines qualitative spatial configuration analysis with quantitative data collected via IoT sensors to enhance the museum experience. A digital tool developed in a BIM environment was applied to the Museum of Rome – Palazzo Braschi case study, which integrates and visualises spatial and behavioural data. The results highlight how predictive approaches and advanced technologies improve the management of usability and participation. This methodology can assist museum managers in monitoring spaces, visitor flows, and accessibility regulations.

 

Article info

Received: 14/09/2024; Revised: 15/10/2024; Accepted: 17/10/2024

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Author Biographies

Teresa Villani, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome (Italy)

Architect and PhD, she is an Associate Professor of Architectural Technology at the Department of Planning, Design, and Architectural Technology. She primarily carries out research on building quality control through detection methods and performance evaluation of technological building components and tools for technical project control.
E-mail: teresa.villani@uniroma1.it

Gianmauro Romagna, CNR in Rome (Italy)

Architect, he is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies. His research mainly focuses on decision-support tools for programming and design in cultural and healthcare fields and, more generally, in complex decision-making contexts, within the broader framework of digital management of the built environment.
E-mail: gianmauro.romagna@istc.cnr.it

Angelo Oddi, CNR in Rome (Italy)

PhD, he is a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, where he mainly works on Artificial Intelligence techniques for the automatic and interactive solution of planning and decision-support problems. He has published several articles on AI, focusing on space, robotics, quantum computing, and cultural heritage.
E-mail: angelo.oddi@cnr.it

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The BIM model of Room 1 developed in Autodesk Revit: (left) plan, section and (right) axonometry (credit: G. Ro¬magna, 2024). AGATHÓN 16 | 2024

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Published

30-12-2024

How to Cite

Villani, T., Romagna, G. and Oddi, A. (2024) “Optimising usability in museums – Integrated management of data on the use of space and cultural content”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 16, pp. 220–231. doi: 10.19229/2464-9309/16192024.