A key part of this strategy was to involve a social enterprise called ‘The Exchange’ which is set up to find a new and sustainable future for Erith’s old Library. A discussion with directors of the enterprise revealed that it aims to build on the old and unused Erith town library’s historic purpose. It aims to use this as a catalyst for growth, drawing on the views of the residents, about culture, arts and heritage; collaboratively proposing a regeneration strategy for the town centre. Given the ambitions and the depth of involvement, it provides a suitable study for the relationship between designers and locals by understanding how co-design strategies can prove to be challenging but successful if executed properly. The Exchange is situated within my locality, which makes regular participation in meetings possible. A level of trust will need to be established between myself and the directors in order to extract key information that will further create opportunities to be involved in the process.
The Exchange partnered with The CASS school of art, architecture and design to exhibit the work that its masters students (5 students) had produced as a response to the regeneration fo Erith. The exhibition was well attended by local community leaders, members of the council and myself. Throughout the evening, it was very clear that the locals strongly disagreed with the students' work. It was also clear that the students had spent the last 5 months designing for Erith without trying to involve locals at any point, until this exhibition which was an equivalent of RIBA stage 3; very similar to how public consultations are currently executed. This seems like it is just another example of locals disagreeing with architect’s proposal because architects haven't yet learnt to properly co-design with stake holder communities; we haven't yet understood the immense value of this approach.
After speaking with the directors, I understand that the plan is to create a think-tank for Erith. This is particularly exciting for me to hear because it will be an opportunity to meet key stake holders within the community, including the MP of the borough. It will also be an opportunity to put my architectural knowledge to use, but working hand-in-hand with the community; co-designing.
Furthermore, I spent a great deal of time reading the draft local plan with an eagerness to understand the relevance of a local plan. Further research into this helped me to understand that a published local plan literally outlines the parameters for development within the borough. Developers look forward to deciphering such documents in order to find opportunities to build/invest. A variety of conversation then happens between developers and the council, until a mutual ground is reached. After this, an architect is contacted and a potential residential/commercial/industrial development project is instigated. This is a brief summary of my understanding thus far but I think I am now starting to understand how the architect fits into the wider story of a project. I am aware that further research is required.
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