Open architecture opens benefits
The 'Mutual Sources on modern Mediterranean architecture: towards an open and shared system' (Musomed) project brought together the various cultural heritages in a format that unifies methodology with accessible information. For most, concepts of Mediterranean architecture are tied in with ancient Greco-Roman classical styled constructs. Yet there is a vast heritage of architectural types in existence that often are overlooked. Musomed brought together the tools necessary for a research infrastructure, an open source digital platform. This multilingual tool provides access to visual, textual documentation, archive inventories, images, official websites and building databases. A diverse field of professionals were involved in compiling and assessing the the platform. Art historians, information officers, heritage managers, system specialists and archaeologists came together to help construct a shared model based on the principle of data mediation. While the platform was open access it was found that a digital repository with restricted access for researchers to share semi-structured, copyright-free material was highly conducive towards collaboration. Overall, this led to the development of strong collaborative ties across academic communities as well as international scientific cooperation. Finally, the construction of this collaborative platform had spill-over affects as other unrelated areas expressed interest in the tool. Construction firms involved in restoration and conservation and education boards stand to gain unprecedented access to information through its use. A greater benefit however, lies in the intellectual pursuit this tool offers to the many groups sharing a common interest in European architectural heritages.
