In Architecture whatever we create for private use becomes a structure in public space. Therefore Architecture is  both an instrument of awareness and of the political capacity of a community”. (Paolo Baratta, Introduction to “FreeSpace”, Venice Biennale, 2018)

How can we define what is a public space when today nearly all buildings and lands are privately owned? When we design spaces for the city, we as designers not only need to understand the given situation but also imagine an alternative future evolution. In doing so, the collaboration between the architect and the various users is essential. Public space today needs to answer to the rich pluralism of our society, to be built with and not only for the community. Often public space is intended as the void between buildings, yet it is the opposite. It is the urban space that dictates the boundaries of the buildings we inhabit. The connection of spaces and people, the junction between multiple lives and stories. 

The questions we want to tackle today are aiming to explore the difficult yet exciting route to intertwine (even more) the community and the design. How can we design a space which is safe and free, coherent but yet multi-diverse, how can we shape the urban space without the ubris to control it? Today we will be in conversation with Joe from the Tottenham Pavilion team and Simon a community development specialist from the Manor House Development trust.