Researcher Lorenzo Barberis from Sapienza Università di Roma presented the contribution “Mediating heritage through design: Participatory approaches to post-digital transformation”, sharing the design research behind the project’s Italian pilot at the Case Romane del Celio in Rome.
The paper explores how design can mediate the digital transformation of cultural heritage, framing the designer as a key figure within interdisciplinary teams that bring together engineering, management and restoration. Drawing on the Roman Houses of the Celio as a case study, it shows how a Service Design approach can guide the integration of Extended Reality into archaeological sites.
Key highlights of the presentation included:
- A participatory, research-through-design methodology to read the site and align a diverse team of stakeholders
- A set of non-invasive, coherent XR installations woven into a single narrative journey, rather than isolated digital attractions
- A design framework prioritising usability, narrative coherence and long-term sustainability over technological novelty
- A path toward open toolkits and guidelines that other heritage sites can adapt and reuse
This work reflects HERIT ADAPT’s mission to transform “minor” heritage sites into engaging, accessible experiences, supporting more sustainable and balanced tourism across the Interreg Euro-MED Programme region.
Thanks to the DRS2026 community for the inspiring exchange, and to all partners and stakeholders contributing to the project’s pilot work.
