Prototyping Public Space - Reimagining Grassroots Participation in Sustainable Urban Renewal

Abstract

Despite a growing appreciation of the role of participation and ‘co-production’ within community art, architecture and design, these processes are often applied to places, with people being compelled or encouraged to participate in the work rather than the work participate in the place. "Wash Your Words" is an exemplar of live action research that rethinks and proposes a new civic typology, empowering the community through an active participation in the sustainable construction of place. The project proposes a methodology for conceiving, testing and establishing a new type of amenity that combines essential services with opportunities for social and cultural activity. The result of this process is a new library/launderette that has been co-produced, co-designed and constructed with people from the marginalised Blackpool community within which it is situated. The project addresses localised issues of fuel poverty through the provision of new laundry facilities and improved access to local library services, internet and learning environments. "Wash Your Words" has been published within the architectural press and was recently shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA Journal McEwan Award.