I have been invited to an event in London in the New Year which has really got me thinking. It is all about ‘places’. It is being organised by my friends at Thinking Place.
In particular it is hoping to address how we continue to make ‘places’ in an era of austerity. Places are not just neighbourhoods, but areas where people have a sense of identity and want to be. They mean something.
As you probably guess I am pretty cynical about ‘fluffy stuff’. I like the facts to be readily understood and easily identifiable. But I like the idea of ‘places’ and I think I have a good feel for what makes a great place. I’m not sure I can write down what it is here. I liken it to going into a shopping centre and knowing if it feels ‘right’ If the tenant mix is wrong then it feels wrong. Hard to pin down but just wrong.
Place can be a mixture of different things – culture, work, play. If we get a place right it acts as a catalyst for prosperity – and that need not just be financial. It can be that people feel better.
The discussion is going to centre on how we continue to make progress in enveloping places against the economic background. I am guessing that, in the past we have been able to throw money at some of the issues. That money may not now be quite so redly available!
We are going to have to look at solutions differently – and for that reason I am looking forward to a lively debate. To make the whole event better it is being held at the new St Martins College at Kings Cross – which I am hoping to get a sneak peek at whilst I am there!
Hi Tim. This sounds really interesting. In our line of work we interpret places and their social, cultural and built heritage. We regularly use the term ‘sense of place’. What gives a place its uniqueness, its ambience and what makes it memorable?
Its actually a complex mix of several things ranging from architecture, interior and environmental design etc – through to what I believe is the most important thing – the people that impose themselves on a place.
One thing I miss in my work now is the impact I can have personally on a place. Just ‘being me’ – I’m told I brought something to both Nottm Squash Club and Attenborough Nature Centre. Of course, it wasn’t only me – but the many staff and volunteers whose personalities and hard work also made both places a great success and a pleasure to be in.
I’d be interested to hear the outcome of the session in Cambridge in January…
Phil
Hi Phil, yes it does sound interesting – I think the theme is pretty much centred around Cities being strapped for cash – but still needing to keep moving forward in ‘marketing’ terms. Yes, I’ll post an update after the event.
Hope all is well with you, Tim
Pingback: The great place debate… | Tim Garratt's Blog