The purpose of this thesis began as an exploration of the ways different cultural collectives engage and interact with a space and competing identities. We established the concept of Environmental White Space as a method of trying to categorize the contested space between predetermined areas of ideological activities and collective representation. However, it soon became apparent that within this macrocosm there were in fact too many microcosms of behavioural change. As such it was decided to focus upon a specific area, a ‘culture of interaction’, of business environments, and in particular, the City of London. In this place it will be more clearer to identify, develop and establish a framework of engagement that could then be used to show comparative difference in other types of environment.
The main focus of the research involves analysing existing designated urban public spaces in business environments for behavioural patterns and group dynamics with the intent of designing a solution that will be able to act as a catalyst for behavioural change, towards more socially conscious spaces. Through unobtrusive observation within the space, it will be possible to identify trends of exhibited environmental behaviour and patterns of use by individual types within the collective; as well as isolate specific characteristics that inform the collective identity. However, in order to understand some of the differences between socially constructed spaces and technologically determined, we will need to investigate the differences between visitor expectations and outcomes. This could be achieved through questionnaires, focus groups and observational methods. However, one of the problems involved with questioning people in the space itself, is that as with many transitional communities and especially those in business environments, people do not spend much time in have a long time to answer questions, or are predisposed with time-restricting actions that limit their ability to be involved. Also, within the context of organisational communities, there is an inherent [scepticism suspicion repellent] with being approached on the street and questioned.
At the same time, observations would need to be as unobtrusive as possible. The boundary between public/private spheres in the City of London are extremely blurred and as such intrusive photography draws much attention and suspicion. The manner of the researchers dress code will need to be addressed in order to blend into the community and avoid an increased awareness of their presence.
The research will be conducted in three stages, after each as conclusion will be drawn that will influence the direction of the subsequent stage. Secondly, the background history and contexts to the narrowed selection of sites will be investigated in order to gain an appreciation for the current conceptual and physical positioning of the site in relation to other events that may influence the sites interpretation by its local community.
LOCATION
“TO MAKE A SPACE CAPABLE OF DOING EVERYTHING IS TO MAKE A SPACE THAT DOES NOTHING VERY WELL. AN INTERACTIVE ENVIRONMENT MAY PROVE EVENTUALLY TO MAKE A SPACE THAT CAN IN FACT DO EVERYTHING WELL.”
Identifying a space for investigation began using information supplied by the London Plan’s ‘Spatial Development Strategy’, that identifies areas of opportunity and intensification. By using this source of information, sites that have been flagged to undergo near-future redevelopment can be identified as opposed to areas that are currently settled. Also, by focusing on areas for intensification, this research can have the greatest impact and potential for implementation. The map below shows the an overlay of theareas designated for opportunity and intensity.
Narrowing down to a particular site used a combination of research, analytic and intuitive methods. By using the previous map, it was possible to identify are large potential of sites clustered in the City of London. From further research and enquiry’s made to the City’s Department of Planning, it became evident that an existing department, ‘Street Scene’ had been established to oversee all public space developments. A meeting with a planning office at Street Scene ensued, and potential areas for investigation were narrowed down to the Eastern Cluster, which defined in the City of London’s ‘Delivering a World Class City: Consultation on the Draft Core Strategy’, is a space that is undergoing immediate renovation in expectation of a series of new skyscrapers.
What is concerning about the redevelopment of sites is the level of pre-development understanding of audiences being researched. Although the places developed through the project are aesthetically pleasing, there are questions pertaining the extent to which the sites harness the potential benefits for social interactivity in a modern business community context, as mentioned in the introduction. From initial observations , seating areas were predominantly fixed, restricting movement and positioning making group socialisation difficult. Furthermore, this arrangement meant that groups of more than three people must sit apart. Also many locations are chosen by individuals and groups for their geographic benefits. For example, Fencourt, had a high proportion of individuals using the space during lunch to eat and read. The space is situated close to local supermarkets and protected from road noise. However, in what ways could the information brought by users to this space engage and benefit others? Also, how could the benefits of this space be promoted to unknowing users.
PARTICIPATORY WORKSHOP
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
