Design Skills Symposium 2014
Learning contexts...
Project partners and supporters
Introduction... This is Section One of the report of Architecture and Design Scotland’s Design Skills Symposium 2014, which took place in Glasgow on the 20th and 21st March. The theme for the event was ‘Learning from the Commonwealth Games’. The aim was to seek transferable lessons for placemaking and design for the rest of Scotland, based on knowledge emerging from preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The event took place at the Emirates Arena, right in the heart of Glasgow’s East End Commonwealth Games regeneration activity. Participants learned at first-hand about how many Games related projects and programmes have levered wider environmental, social and economic benefits and influenced transformational change in places and communities. The two day learning process was based around small group workshops using design methods - enabling people to learn from each other, build collaboration and draw out lessons for their own practice. Three study areas were used as inspiration to test how design thinking could help address regeneration challenges faced around Scotland. Over 100 delegates attended from local authorities and other public and private organisations across Scotland. International experts spoke and facilitated at the event. The programme included presentations, site visits and workshops. The following report presents the Learning Context, Group Outputs and Resources from the event. The report is structured into the following key sections: 1. Context: Sets out the learning contexts participants engaged with including: International, Glasgow and local (world cafè). 2. Outputs: Presents the outputs generated by the participants including summaries of each groups facilitator backgrounds, approach, and broad outcomes as well as key images, objectives, themes and projects. Illustrations give a flavour of the big ideas suggested by each theme 3. Resources: Detailed resource sheets are provided for each of the transferable tools or methods built into the symposium programme. Explanations are given of the processes undertaken with links to related sources to enable wider application. Developed and delivered by A+DS in partnership with The Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, Clyde Gateway and Improvement Service and supported by others including Scottish Canals, VELOCITY and the Local Authority Urban Design Forum.
International context...
This section presents summaries of key learning from the symposium’s international keynote speakers. Geoffrey London, Victorian Government Architect spoke about Australia’s experiences of the placemaking legacy of the Commonwealth Games as well as introducing how design is being used to catalyse exciting changes in Melbourne and the State of Victoria. Ali Grehan, Dublin City Architect spoke on embedding design thinking at city level and about design as a tool for re-shaping the economy. Gert Urhahn of SPicitI spoke on strengthening the relationship between citizens and their cities and how design can deliver new possibilities in existing places. Links are included to related resources including videos of speakers presentations.
Keynote 01| Geoffrey London A Commonwealth Perspective on Place-Making
Federation Square, Steve Tiesdell Legacy Collection
Geoffrey London, Victorian Government
and the demand for good design had to be
Architect, Office of the Victorian Government
stated early on. Architects should be selected
Architect (OVGA), Melbourne, Australia
not on the basis of lowest fees, but of highest
Melbourne hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2006. Geoffrey spoke about how the city prepared for and benefited from the Commonwealth Games, and more widely about the role of the Government Architect in Melbourne. Melbourne is a city of just over 4 million people; the Government Architect’s office consists of only 10 people: its primary role is to champion quality design in the built environment; in doing this it acts as Leader, Enabler and Procurer. To give any champion the best possible chance of influencing the quality of the design of a project, Geoffrey’s advice was that you had to be in there at the beginning, and the earlier the better; that you had to be able to say that good design offers good value for money; and that you had to look at the lifetime costs of buildings and places. In any individual project, there had to be support for design at the senior level, appropriate budgets,
quality. Design review was an important tool which OVGA used, but which they also encourage other clients and champions to use. OVGA also like to encourage emerging design practices, for instance by allocating smaller parts of big projects especially for them. He believed that good design could be procured in any government project, but that you needed to understand the potential pitfalls of commissioning it. Geoffrey illustrated the OVGA’s role in projects through reference to ‘MOMENTUM’ a 120 page publication that celebrates the best of Victorian architecture. Helping in the production of good design briefs is one of OVGA’s key roles. They also hold workshops for bidding teams providing guidance to clients on the strengths and weaknesses of proposals. They follow this through by monitoring construction to ensure that promises are delivered on; and they help to establish a design quality
Melbourne Dock, Steve Tiesdell Legacy Collection
team in particular departments that can oversee
Another City-led development was the simple job
the design and construction process. They also
of re-surfacing all the pavements in the centre of
become involved in architectural competitions
the city in an attractive local blue stone which,
(although Geoffrey had reservations about
by providing a good surface to walk on said ‘we
expecting architects to work for free when
welcome you to the city.’ The work also included
submitting for competitions).
the widening of pavements and planting of trees
Geoffrey described some key ‘moves’ which had taken place in Melbourne over the last 20 to 30 years, which together had made Melbourne a much better place to live and a more successful city. The creation of Federation Square – a new square at the heart of the city - was one of the most significant. Another was the initiative led by the City of Melbourne Director of Design which gave incentives to property owners to convert empty properties in the centre of the city, which had the immediate effect of bringing people back into the city, followed by associated services. The City produced guidelines for conversion, in some cases allowing bigger developments on the same plots.
and installation of new high quality street furniture. Though a straightforward job it still needed to commitment over 20 years to complete it, but once complete gave a new identity to the city and made the city’s inhabitants much prouder of their place. There had also been investments in innovative major roads infrastructure. The main challenge in Melbourne to promoting and delivering good design lay in the buy-tolet sector where investors had little concern for putting quality into the building of apartments. OVGA were currently looking at the SEPP65 scheme in New South Wales which set out design quality principles for apartments and made it a requirement that all designs submitted to the city had to have been checked first by a registered
Geoffrey London... At the time of the Symposium, Geoffrey lead the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA), Melbourne. A Winthrop Professor of Architecture at The University of Western Australia, his research interests include urban Melbourne CBD, Steve Tiesdell Legacy Collection
intensification and green infrastructure. Geoffrey is a Professorial Fellow at The University of
architect, following specified guidelines, and all
Melbourne and has acted as a consultant on
designs went to a Design Review panel.
numerous architectural and urban design projects.
The Commonwealth Games acted as another
Relevant links...
driver to promote Melbourne, increasing civic pride and also enhancing facilities. As in Glasgow
Geoffrey’s talk : http://bit.ly/1x1nPZe
they utilised a lot of existing facilities but added to
Interview with Geoffrey: http://bit.ly/1wyPA7B
the city significant smaller new facilities, including a new Lawn Bowls Centre, an Aquatics Arena and the Games Village. In a city already known as ‘Events City’ which already had about 65 different festivals each year, the Commonwealth Games was still the biggest event ever. With all public transport in the city free for the duration of the games, people’s habit of using public transport greatly improved. For any individual or body championing good design Geoffrey felt that the big challenge was to quantify the benefits of good design. For him this was a universal question and something that
Geoffrey’s presentation: http://issuu.com/adsdesignskills2014 OVGA: http://www.ovga.vic.gov.au/ A+DS: Local Design Panels: http://www.ads.org.uk/designforum/panels
CPD suggestions... Watch: Geoffreys talk Discussion points: In your role or organisation What are the perceived benefits of good design? How is debate about good design encouraged (is
governments and agencies could work together
design review used)? To what degree is design
on, internationally.
factored into your procurement processes?
Keynote 02 | Ali Grehan Promote, Inspire, Value, Offer, Translate
Temple Bar, Dublin, Steve Tiesdell Legacy Collection
Ali Grehan, Dublin City Architect PIVOT – Promote, Inspire, Value, Offer, Translate – was the acronym created for Dublin’s (unsuccessful) bid for World Design Capital 2014; but the approach developed for the bid has come
at the winner announcement event (if they had won) the film has been used in the city to promote design and underline the message of who is involved in it and the broad nature of the support for it.
to exemplify the City Architect office’s role in
I – INSPIRE Ali stated that although collaboration
promoting and developing design in Dublin, and
was very hard to do, (and in particular the
in demonstrating that cities can use design as a
challenge of working with un-likeminded people)
tool for social cultural and economic progress (the
it was the only way if good design was to be
brief for the bidding for World Design Capital).
promoted and realised.
The City used the bid process (which started
As an example of this she described how the
in 2009) to create a platform for what was then
new City Manager in Dublin had got designers to
a fragmented community of designers across
work with the Environmental Services Department
all disciplines to start to communicate with
to help deal with a particularly bad example of
each other more and work together on a more
litter dumping in the city. The designers’ initial
collaborative basis.
approach was simply to draw the problem so that
P – PROMOTE A film was created to show how designers of all disciplines, cultural commentators and politicians were strongly behind design and how the strength of these connections could support the design process. Created to be shown
the department had a better understanding of it and could communicate this to other departments or politicians or officers who needed to be involved in order to produce a solution to the problem.
Ali Grehan... Ali Grehan was appointed Dublin City Architect in 2008. Recently described as an ‘Architect, Revitaliser, Community Maker’, her career has included private practice and work in the public and semi state sector, the latter including the Make Shape Change still frames, PIVOT Dublin
V – VALUE Value your network, but how? The City has developed a website, begun to run events, and have started working on a National Design Strategy (for the first time in Ireland), and they are beginning to promote design as a tool for
Railway Procurement Agency and Ballymun Regeneration. She is an elected member of the Council of the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland. She devised and co-ordinated Dublin’s bid for World Design Capital 2014, now continuing as PIVOT Dublin.
developing new and better public services.
Relevant links...
O- OFFER OPPORTUNITIES Slowly the City
Ali’s talk: http://vimeo.com/99477660
Architect’s office was beginning to confirm
PIVOT Dublin: http://www.pivotdublin.com/
design’s role in policy making, and develop an understanding that ‘you need to be creative to generate economic growth’. The City Architect’s Department had been invited to help the Finance
makeshapechange film: http://www.makeshapechange.com/ Value of design case studies - Scottish Gov:
Ministry produce a new Strategy for Growth.
http://bit.ly/1oWmpOo
T- TRANSLATE IDEAS INTO ACTION This could
CPD suggestions...
only be done through projects. One project was to produce the ‘makeshapechange’ film, primarily for children to show them how design affected everything but also how design could change things. They had also begun to run educational programmes where designers were going into schools to help run programmes.
Watch: Video of Ali’s talk Discussion points: To what degree does your organisation value design as a problem solving tool? Can you think of an example where you worked collaboratively to solve a problem? What were the benefits of such an approach?
Keynote 03 | Gert Urhahn Strengthening the relationship between citizens and the city
Porto Alegre, SPcitI
Gert Urhahn, Co-founder, SPcitI The Spontaneous City International (SPcitI) is concerned with how individuals can use their skills to give form to their living environment. Gert spoke on revitalizing the relationship between citizens and their cities and how design can deliver new possibilities in existing places. SPcitI collaborate with local professionals in the different places they are invited to work. They have four key principles they apply to projects: Zoom in: Don’t just work with the big players: in each place there are plenty of smaller initiatives, which collectively involve a lot of people.
lot of stakeholders. Initially a workshop is held involving the inhabitants, educational institutions and the local authority. At the next stage they bring in local entrepreneurs, developers, investors, legal services etc. Gert illustrated their work with three examples. RingĂśn, in Sweden, where they worked in 2012. SPcitI were commissioned by the Property Association of Gothenburg to help towards the regeneration of this area of the city. Their basic approach was to acknowledge that there was already a reality in the place to act as the base for a future vision and that the first people to consult were the people working and living in the place.
Supervise open development: Open-ended
They spent one week gaining an understanding
planning and strategy is better than fixed
of the most important priorities for the area and
masterplans.
the commitment of most important people. They
Create collective value: Collective values are a condition for individual initiatives and action. Be user oriented: Leave room for inclusion and co-creation. A typical project involves them working with a
subsequently created a road map with a staged strategy of further action. Porto Alegre, Brazil. One of the host cities for the 2014 World Cup, Porto Alegre was planning to widen to 35 metres the 6 km. long Avenida Tronco – a key transport route in the city; in itself this
Create collective value, SPcitI
would involve the rehousing of some 5000 people. Most of the area affected has been developed by people building their own houses, organising their own power and water supplies and in effect creating their own informal (and strictly speaking illegal) neighbourhood. The question was - how can the particular qualities of this neighbourhood be sustained, or replicated, in the face of such a massive physical change such as the widening of the Avenida, and how can a new neighbourhood for the people being rehoused be created using similar processes or principles? SPcitI spent 3 to 4 months researching prior to a four day workshop. They analysed how the place had developed in this informal way – a natural process of creating greater density by building over the open space of the available plots. They examined whether this process could be maintained while creating better value, not only for individuals, but also for the collective value
Gert Urhahn... Gert is an urban designer and lecturer. His Amsterdam office was founded in 1991 and developed a broad international portfolio of innovative projects. Previously, as Senior Urban Designer for the Municipality of Amsterdam, Gert was strongly engaged in the redevelopment of the Amsterdam waterfronts. He has published extensively on regeneration strategies and urban typologies and principles and most recently published a book ‘The Spontaneous City’
Relevant links... Video of Gert’s talk: http://bit.ly/1oWmHVp
for all of public space. They developed a strategy
Interview with Gert: http://bit.ly/1EEzJsE
focused on Ambitions, Conditions and Projects;
Gerts presentation:http://bit.ly/1ukOxvd
after a distillation process of three months, they handed the strategy over to the Mayor. The first project was an exhibition of photographs showing
SPcitI: http://thespontaneouscityinternational.org/
the daily life of the Avenida displayed along the
CPD suggestions...
Avenida itself on structures like lamp standards.
Watch: Video of Gert’s talk
The project continues.
Discussion points: Think of a recent development
Gert’s final example of the work of SPcitI was their
you or your organisation has been involved
involvement in the refugee camp of Al Za ‘atari in
with where a community has been affected by
Jordan, where the challenge was to strengthen
change. What might the outcomes have been of
and structure the camp’s own developing
using a community led approach such as SPicitI?
economy (manifested for example in the 600 or so shops which have come into being in the camp), in a way that worked with and contributed to the camp’s Jordanian host community.
Glasgow Context...
This section presents summaries of key learning from representatives of Glasgow’s story of transformational change in preparation for hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Gerry Grams, then City Design Leader introduced the City’s perspective and Martin Mckay of Clyde Gateway focused on regeneration activity in the East End. Links are included to related resources including videos of speakers presentations.
Glasgow 01 | Gerry Grams Glasgow’s approach...
Athletes Village
Gerry Grams, City Design Leader – Glasgow
While the Stadium already existed and the Arena
City Council
was already made, it was hoped that the creation
The East End of Glasgow is the site of one of three clusters of activity for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Parkhead Stadium and the Emirates Arena in Dalmarnock (where the Symposium took place) are at the core of
of the Athletes Village would provide a major boost to the regeneration of this part of the East End. The challenge to planners and designers was how to create an urban form for a new neighbourhood where previously there had been nothing. The 700 houses of the village would
this cluster. Dalmarnock was also chosen as
house initially - for the Commonwealth Games
the site for the Commonwealth Games Athletes
- 6000 athletes and officials; thereafter they
Village due to its proximity to the centre of
would become homes for 700 families. The brief
the city, its two existing rail stations and its
was for ‘a simple, well-constructed vernacular’,
proximity also to South Lanarkshire.
with no internal load-bearing walls so that large
Once occupied largely by heavy industry, this part of a city is one of the five most deprived areas in Scotland – a situation set in train by the decline of that industry, which left a landscape peppered with the remains of mills, wire works, chemical
spaces could be created for the accommodation of athletes and then easily changed to be suitable for families, and usable attic spaces. Construction would be largely prefabricated and assembled on site (the 700 homes had to be built in 700 days).
factories, power stations and so on, and a land
Once its role as Commonwealth Games Athletes
highly contaminated by the waste from these
Village was over, it was planned that the housing
uses. Altogether this represents a challenging site
would be a mixture of social housing, mid-market
for regeneration.
rented housing and housing for private sale,
Glasgpw 01 | Glasgow’s approach
Athletes Village, Aerial
but that these differences in tenure could not be
as well as a further 700 homes. The area is
read in the form of the houses (‘tenure blind’).
served by a new biomass CHP system.
The village’s location next to the River Clyde allowed the masterplan to link the village via a footbridge over the river to the wooded natural area of the Cuningar Loop. But landscape was also envisaged as being at the heart of the village, with open and green space being given a role to make this a place for both physical and mental wellbeing – a truly ‘a healthy place’. Within this the Sustainable Urban Drainage System became an armature for the neighbourhood. The model of the urban form that emerged (designed by RMJM) was based on one familiar from other parts of Glasgow – with blocks of buildings, lanes and interior courtyards providing an easy legibility. Gerry feels that the Athletes Village has created a new benchmark for public housing in Glasgow.
In undertaking this project the City learned that different departments can come together to work as a team. The same thinking of using green space to create an identity for new neighbourhoods, focussing on building a heart and portal for the community and being sensitive about building character into new places, is being applied to other parts of the city. Sighthill is the City’s next major focus for this kind of work. The work put into the creation of the Athletes Village has also contributed to the creation of a new Design Guide for New Residential Streets and Areas.
Relevant links... Video of Gerry’s talk: http://bit.ly/1x1r9DN
The creation of a wider neighbourhood is
Copy of Gerry’s presentation:
already underway, following some of the same
http://issuu.com/adsdesignskills2014
principles. A 120 bed Care Home, to be run by Glasgow City Council, also designed by RMJM, has already been built as an integral part of the neighbourhood. A site has been set aside for a new primary school and future plans include a new community hub (including GP surgery and library) and space also for commercial premises,
Glasgow’s Design Guide for New Residential Areas: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/designguide RMJM: http://bit.ly/1sNVzn1
Glasgow 02 | Martin McKay Clyde Gateway and the East End...
Martin McKay, Director of Development, Clyde
Discussing design in such a context is difficult, but
Gateway
Martin’s talk showed how it was possible.
Much of the new development for the 2014
Doing so had not only raised Clyde Gateway’s
Games took place in the East End of Glasgow. In 2008 the Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company was formed to drive delivery of
sights and standards but also played a large part in involving the people living in the area in the whole process of regeneration as well as the
regneration in the area.
Games.
For Martin McKay, Director of Development for
Martin stated the importance of connectivity in
Clyde Gateway, the Commonwealth Games were their ‘big goal’, where the eyes of the world would be on them. He spoke about how design was integrated with the work of the Gateway and with
terms of justifying the kind of expenditure on infrastructure needed in such a situation. The extension work on the M74 (a £1.5 billion pound investment) had been a key to providing improved
their communities.
access to this part of the city.
Clyde Gateway is an area of 800 ha, partly within
He summed up the Gateway’s regeneration goals
Glasgow City Council and partly within South Lanarkshire Council area. It is only 1.5 miles from
in three words – People, Place and Economy, with the overarching aim of re-knitting communities
the centre of Glasgow but with the now-departed
together and connecting them to the Games.
heavy industry having left much of the land in
The key messages about regeneration were (a)
a heavily contaminated state and with the area
It is a long-term process. After 50 or 60 years of
being one of the top five most deprived areas in
decline, progress cannot be made by overnight.
the country, it is a place with many challenges.
(b) It can’t be done alone – partnership is key,
Glasgpw 02 | Clyde Gateway and the East End
in this case the major partners being Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City Council and South Lanarkshire Council. Much useful background was already in place to support Clyde Gateway’s approach to design, going back to very early phases of Glasgow East End renewal. Various studies had been done since 2004 and the East End Local Development Strategy provided a strong planning context.
5. Support local enterprise 6. Places should be distinctive 7. Vibrant, safe, enjoyable streets 8. Sustainability should be built in 9. Create neighbourhoods As an example of detailed implementation, Martin described the approach in Dalmarnock - one of the core gateway areas Here a design framework
Clyde Gateway themselves brought together a
had been agreed to integrate networks and green
wide range of groups, supported by an enabler
spaces. It was subject to design review by A+DS
from Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS)
early in the process. Details are available as part
to produce a Design Statement. The result was a
of a series on the URC’s. Four key lessons are
simple document in two halves – ‘Character and
drawn:
Values’. Early on in the process the emphasis moved from design in terms of hardware to design in terms of the place, which lead to the first part of the document being dedicated to character, in four sections – History (the history of the place its growth its
You can create opportunities from constraints; A collaborative approach is critical; It is important to respond to the historic urban pattern and existing historic buildings; Infrastructure must be designed to allow flexibility in future use.
decline); Crosses (the area already possessed key urban points, such as Dalmarnock Cross and Bridgeton cross, which could be built on to help give identity to the area); The River Clyde (which snakes through the area, providing the potential of unexpected natural beauty, if access could be improved); and, Density (involving a holistic
Relevant links... Video of Martins’s talk: http://bit.ly/1wyVu8U Copy of Martin’s presentation: http://issuu.com/adsdesignskills2014
approach both to buildings and to the spaces
Clyde Gateway: http://www.clydegateway.com/
between buildings. In some areas there is a need
Clyde Gateway Character and Values Design
for more density and overall there was a need for
Statement:http://bit.ly/1x1rINW
a critical mass of people and activity ‘to make a place’.) The section on ‘values’ was drawn up partly as an agenda for discussion with design teams working on individual projects. There are nine – 1. Good design means good business 2. Work with communities 3. Infrastructure must come first 4. We need more people
A+DS URC case studies: http://bit.ly/1zoYDvh
Local Context...
This section summarises local learning from the World CafĂŠ Session held on day two of the symposium. Participants gained first-hand knowledge and inspiration from people directly involved in the delivery of 13 local initiatives or projects related to the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The format for a World CafĂŠ is a fiveminute talk from local expert(s), followed by a fifteen-minute group discussion. Participants took part in three discussions in total. Scribes recorded key discussion points which are summarised here along with links to related resources.
World Café Session | 01 Placemaking: The role of green networks and infrastructure
World Cafe Presenters Ally Corbett, Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green
and problems with flooding and drainage have been tackled.
Network Partnership
The Glasgow & Clyde Valley (GCV) Green
Martin McKay, Clyde Gateway URC
Network forms a key regional component of
Project / Topic Introduction
The Partnership’s activity in Glasgow seeks to
As well as providing crucial habitats for wildlife in our towns and cities, green networks and infrastructure offer opportunities for natural water
the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN). enhance people’s quality of life, to make a more vibrant, sustainable and healthy city through green networks and infrastructure.
management, quality public open space and
Ally Corbett presented on the partnerships work
active travel routes for communities. They can
and advocated for planners and developers to
form an important part of establishing identity and
consider green infrastructure from the outset of
regeneration of an area over time.
the design process in line with ‘grey infrastructure’
Clyde Gateway presented on efforts to embed green infrastructure thinking into their placemaking strategies in Glasgow’s East End. Through the Clyde Gateway Regeneration framework, opportunities for green infrastructure have been adopted in approaches to energy, sewage, transport, ecology and habitats. Constraints such as fragmented land ownership
like roads and hard engineered drainage.
Discussion Points There has been a cultural change towards green policies during the last 4-5 years. Nowadays, local authorities normally have statutory policies about green infrastructure and networks in their Local Development Plans. In practice, however, difficulties in the details require further work.
Local Context 01 | Placemaking: The role of green networks and infrastructure
Green infrastructure is recognised as on the government’s agenda, but the implementation of its final potential depends on the local authority robustness.
the same time. In the area of the East End, especially close to the M74, cars are stil recognised as an important element. But all development frameworks need
The City of Glasgow has started to transfer
to establish further transport infrastructure,
knowledge of revenue management into other
especially of the high capacity routes. There are
parts of the city using community enterprises,
already three train stations in this area.
local management regimes or local people managing local assets. Public engagement such as that provided by Planning Aid Scotland for hard to reach youth groups is therefore crucial. The green network in Greater Glasgow is funded by Clyde Gateway and the Government. But money is also recycled into the scheme through other developments. How can developers be encouraged to sign up and to support the Green Network idea financially and beyond?
To encourage cycling, a copenhagen-style cycle route of 180kms was built off street and an extension is already funded and planned. In advance of this, Glasgow looked at casestudies of Bodling riverside, Millenium village in Greenwich, Vauban in Freiburg and some other examples of the Nordic European context, especially from Sweden. Another innovative project is a smart bridge which will allow people to feed into strategic cycle network linking directly to the city centre.
Green Networks are land intensive which results in high costs. One approach is to allow developers tie-ins with existing frameworks. Furthermore, connections with other infrastructure such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) can be made. Nevertheless, a strong leadership with definite
Relevant links... •
Clydegateway: http://clydegateway.com/
•
GCV Green Network:
restrictions is required to set up clear briefs. Although developers will profit through the higher
http://www.gcvgreennetwork.gov.uk/ •
appeal of the area and the perception building,
Central Scotland Green Network: http://www.centralscotlandgreennetwork.org
they cannot be forced to support green networks.
•
A+DS, GREEN 2014:
Notwithstanding, undevelopable land can be
•
Integrating grey and green infrastructure: http://bit.ly/1v9iWvN
requires at the same time a responsive, flexible
•
Commonwealth lecture series
approach.
•
http://bit.ly/1xzpJiS
used, eg. as way-leave for sewer. It enables, but
Some of the issues at Clyde Gateway’s implementation were raised during the discussion.
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver
In the case of flood prevention, green networks
transferrable learning, methods and approaches.
play an immense role. The river Clyde for
The world cafe is one such transferrable technique
example can overspill into its loops. Therefore, development needs to respond to the given topography. The green network will then be flooded, but provides safety for the settlements at
that participants can put to use in their professional lives. A learning point on the world cafe method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World Café Session | 02 Creating and activating urban parkland and landscape
World Cafe Presenters Hugh McNish, Forestry Commission Scotland Susan Nash, Forestry Commission Scotland
Project / Topic Introduction
protecting existing vegetation and additional planting and fencing. New habitats have been provided for native species such as badgers and foxes as well as improved infrastructure and accessibility for people. Historic access on the site had been industrial and limited
The Forestry Commission Scotland presented
due to contamination. The project includes
their work to establish a network of 14
new linkages via bridges across the River
Commonwealth Woodlands in and around
Clyde to link the bordering Athlete’s village in
Glasgow. The aim is to encourage communities
Glasgow’s East End with the park in South
to use their local green spaces more often and to
Lanarkshire. This encourages relationships
increase their physical activity levels. Critically, the
between the neighbouring communities, while
project has involved the programming of activities
also strengthening the identities of the two areas.
within the woodlands such as themed sculpture
Arts have been used to create an attractive and
trails, tree stories, music workshops and green
inspiring new perspective on the area’s heritage.
routes to school.
Wider access to the park is further promoted by
One key example highlighted was the £5 million
new signage along the Clyde Walkway and from
Cuningar Loop Riverside Woodland Park in Glasgow’s East End. The closest of the 14 Commonwealth Woodland to Glasgow City
the neighbouring stations as in Dalmarnock, Bridgeton & Rutherglen.
Centre, the project has seen the regeneration
Discussion Points
of 15 hectares of contaminated land considered
The first discussion point dealt with the specific
unsuitable for housing or development projects.
partnerships existing in the Glasgow area which
Natural remediation was encouraged through
enabled the creation of the Commonwealth
Local Context 02 | Creating and activating urban parkland and landscape
Woodlands. Clydegateway, the Forestry
approaches bring together both key aspects
Commission Scotland and the local Councils
of urban parklands – the green space, and the
had worked together as a catalyst for the Green
temporary use by mostly urban residents.
legacy of the Games. This collaborative approach had enabled special expertise to be drawn in from partners. The approach highlights the importance of strategic action to improve quality and use and access of urban green spaces. Greening temporary vacant/derelict land influences furthermore health and wellbeing. Development is often in conflict with the common and environmental interests. How can you realise parks alongside development? How do you manage conflicting stakeholder interests? The Commonwealth Woodlands experience suggests the best way to tackle these issues is through intense networking in different groups to collaborate and exchange information. To successfully campaign for urban parkland and landscape generally, Involvement should be accompanied by Action and Inspiration.
In all those processes, communities must be included intensively to secure their engagement with the projects – through activity involvement a sense of ownership can be created. This is an important cross boundary process which strengthens communities from the inside out, as well as improving external impressions. There is a lot to be learnt from wider existing woodland sites and experiences in urban environments. The Commonwealth Games is an important catalyst for encouraging people to access and engage with new woodland parks. The Commonwealth Woodlands project models how local areas can be developed for local people. As the example of Cuningar Loop shows, this has the potential to be achieved in even the most challenging urban landscapes.
How do you manage use of the woodlands? The long-term management and its planning are to be provided by a local manager whilst the
Relevant links...
activities are promoted e.g. moving indoor uses
Legacy 2014 Commonwealth Woodlands and Cuningar Loop Riverside Woodland Park (Scottish Government):
into outdoor spaces, establishing free events and
http://bit.ly/1EEEPF5
area is leased by the assisting FCS. Ideas for
creating opportunities for individual activities such
•
•
http://www.commonwoods.org.uk/
as encouraging walking and cycling. Funding is easier if the responsible persons are from the
•
How do you encourage ownership? Schools,
Forestry Commission Scotland: http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/
community, so the long term goal would be to get local people to take the ownership of the area.
Commonwoods:
•
A+DS, GREEN 2014:
•
Commonwealth woodlands: http://bit.ly/1tRamNX
further educational institutions and their staff have to be actively engaged in the creative and use-stimulating processes. Why not hold the next class out in nature? Forestry Commission Scotland is already providing skills on outdoor teaching and its policies. Public art, not only in educational contexts, enables further benefits. What, How and Where? are the central questions to be asked in considering art interventions. Such
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver transferrable learning, methods and approaches. The world cafe is one such transferrable technique that participants can put to use in their professional lives. A learning point on the world cafe method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World Café Session | 03 Active travel
World Cafe Presenters Steve Gray, Glasgow City Council
track was established between the High Street and Glasgow Green. In this case bollards help to delineate the route and challenge behaviours
Project / Topic Introduction
(e.g. parking in cycle lanes). The hope is that
The Design Skills Symposium’s ‘world cafe’
behavioural change becomes self reinforcing.
session on ACTIVE TRAVEL was presented by Steve Gray of Glasgow City Council’s sustainable transport team. The introduction noted that active travel provides a safer, cleaner, healthier environment, and the aim is to have 10% of journeys by active travel by 2020. Any transport project starts with the consideration of different options such as shared footways, alternative side roads, with flow segregated cycle tracks or cycle lanes. These options are assessed against appraisal criteria including safety, comfort, implementability or disruption of public transport. Two projects show how active travel schemes had been implemented: The Bridgeton Cross project is a shared surface environment where pedestrians and cyclists mingle. A two way segregated cycle
they will eventually be removed as active travel The importance of gaining political support was noted: Glasgow has a Cycling Tsar and a Cycle Forum that includes members from all parties, and is also developing a website. At present Glasgow does not have a ring fenced cycle budget. Projects are being funded on a case by case basis. Monitoring an annual cordon count has recorded a 150% increase over 5 years with 7000 cyclists travelling into the city; however, there is still a long way to go. To further support Active Travel, Glasgow introduced its Mass Automated Cycle Hire (MACH) scheme in June 2014, providing 400 bikes at 31 docking stations and makes it to the second biggest cycle hire schemes in the UK.
Local Context 03 | Active Travel
Discussion Points Ambition “We need a less piecemeal approach and more emphasis on ‘this is the way we do things’” Ambition is crucial for successful development of Active Travel. There are strong links between active travel and place making and health agendas. It is not an anti-car agenda but it is about providing choice and opportunity. Discussions indicated that Scotland is currently in an experimental phase compared to the Netherlands or Germany where cycling is more established. Strong political support is needed to encourage decision-makers to take space from cars. There
Built examples do exist of how to deliver change. For example the Poynton village regeneration project, designed by shared space advocate Ben Hamilton Baillie, shows how road space and traffic speed can be managed through a thoughtful design intervention. Cycle networks can be developed over time, with gradual reductions to road space. There is a role for information technology in changing perception. New apps for cyclists, such as journey planners, can help to unlock travel possibilities for people. NB: Some of the worst offenders in daily traffic are cyclists! So, changes of perceptions and behaviour are necessary, but also quite possible.
is the need for an overall strategic approach
User experiences “We can’t count on the system
including better linkages with surrounding council
to do much good!”
areas for cross boundary initiatives.
Conflicts with cars at points where cyclists need
Opportunities “It’s not a ‘line’ but an area
to break out of designated routes haven’t been
solution”
addressed.
Active Travel offers opportunities. It isn’t just about
Conflicts also exist with pedestrians crossing
being ‘safe, secure, and sheltered’. In combination
streets, pavements or junctions.
with other facilities (e.g. showers) it can be seen
Providing a cycle lane may tick a planner’s
as a selling point for a development. Capitalise on the cycle network – it’s part of the value chain that can help build the identity of places. There is the potential to link with other initiatives and agendas such as green and blue networks, climate change, core path networks or biodiversity. Recognise the potential to establish active travel as a personalised mobility solution which an effective means of rapid transit as part of the series of solutions at peoples disposal. Use active travel to build an attitude about creating a good place to be, where it’s attractive to invest. Behaviour change “It is possible to change mobility patterns within urban areas”
checklist for an application but doesn’t guarantee a quality experience for the cyclist. Get real “Cycling is marginalised – get serious!” There is freedom to cycle through parks (though walking can be faster than the 5mph recommended speed limit!). If we are really serious then something has to give. Today’s projects may be “over engineered”, so a cultural shift is necessary – which took the Dutch 30 years. Problems of large numbers of cyclists and cyclists travelling at different speeds remain. The Warrington cycle campaign “facility of the month” highlights examples of failures in provision for cyclists.
Local Context 03 | Active Travel
Implementation matters “Problems arise from confusion and mixed messages” Having cars parked in cycle lanes is a common problem. “Identify the avenues” – prioritise key routes to reduce car use and dependency. It is important to incentivise – developers should
Relevant links... •
http://bit.ly/1sN0XaL •
It’s positive that Bikeability training is being provided in schools.
•
part and identify key bits of the network that need
Sustrans | Join the Movement: http://bit.ly/1vcTp6Y
•
Smarter Choices, Smarter Places: http://bit.ly/11nZOA4
•
A+DS, GREEN 2014:
•
This Friday Active Travel:
The overall route is only as good as the weakest link. Audit areas, be prepared to tackle the difficult
Glasgow Launches City Cycle Hire Scheme: http://bit.ly/1z4Tv0g
sell the idea as part of the development instead of regulating it.
Glasgow City Council Cycle Pages:
http://bit.ly/1u0jWDx •
This Friday Linked by Light: http://bit.ly/1sAWCKp
to be completed and enhanced.
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver transferrable learning, methods and approaches. The world cafe is one such transferrable technique that participants can put to use in their professional lives. A learning point on the world cafe method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World Café Session | 04 Delivering healthy sustainable neighbourhood design
World Cafe Presenters Calum Murray, Director of CCG Scotland
solution was driven by the commercial choices made by the consortium. The development was to deliver low carbon solutions to the 2013
Project / Topic Introduction
Building Regulations and high standards of
“ ... to be part of a memorable event which
the project delivery. The new homes were built
provides Glasgow with a legacy of job creation and a great place to live …”
Set in the East End of Glasgow, the purposebuilt, low carbon Commonwealth Games Athlete’s Village is at the heart of one of Europe’s largest regeneration areas. Home to 6,500 athletes and team officials for the duration of the Commonwealth Games, it will subsequently transform into a new residential community. 700 new homes and apartments are provided for social and private housing, offered at affordable levels, together with a 120bed care home for the elderly.
excellence across the range and breadth of to exemplary design standards using Modern Methods of Construction, and within a short build period of 15 months. Perhaps the most crucial aspect of the delivery of the project was its centrality to the urban programme being led by Clyde Gateway. Fundamental to this was the recognition from the legacy consortium at the very outset of the process that the village couldn’t be developed as an ‘island’, and had to integrate and interface with other investment across the city, and particularly within the East End and the adjacent communities. The unique relationship
The brief for the project formed a unique
to river Clyde was seen as a major asset to be
challenge, comprising a series of performance
capitalised on, particularly in terms of driving
standards. The mix, housing numbers and
the setting of place amenity.
construction methods were not prescribed. The
Local Context 04 | Delivering Healthy Sustainable Neighbourhoods
Discussion Points Collaboration? The key to the success of the project was an effective partnership between the public and the private sector. The Council contributed the remediated land, funding for 400 social rented units and the 120 bed care home
way of a bridge across the River Clyde to the Cuningar Loop where Scottish Woodlands Trust are investing in a new community park, which will function as a community asset that the village and wider community can access as a recreational and visual asset.
for the elderly which CCG were in charge of
Lessons learned? The key lessons for CCG
delivering. On the other hand, the private sector
emerging from the design and delivery of
provided expertise in the fields of construction,
the Athlete’s Village are wide-spread. The
project management and sales and marketing
importance of strong civic leadership was noted
of the 300 private homes. Furthermore, they
as well as community-buy-in, council-buy-in,
were responsible for a balance of funding,
partnerships and cooperation between them.
design solutions and the delivery of the next
Clarity of the shared vision and a mission
phase of legacy housing with the aspiration to
statement require communication and a flow
deliver 725 further homes.
of information. There is a need for a robust
Consultation? Community consultation was carried out through the planning process in advance by Glasgow City Council (GCC), with Clyde Gateway also feeding into the process. GCC interfaced with the community predominantly through consulting on community benefits, which helped to build up a relationship with them. During the design process CCG also consulted with athletes who gave guidance on specification, product and expectation. This then helped to drive the brief and masterplan in
delivery mechanism. Besides, adoption of a “can do / will do” culture is necessary. Principles in terms of space planning, energy efficiency, relationship with car parking and open space are useful, but keep it simple and don’t get too far ahead of yourself in terms of innovation and aspiration. Infrastructure is required in order to absorb a growth in population – so plan for growth and think about education requirements in the area.
a particular direction.
Relevant links...
Relationship to surrounding areas? Glasgow
•
City Council gave strategic advice on the urban layout, lining up with key nodes etc, to create architectural integration for future connectivity – which was a particular challenge to visualise, but has worked well in terms of creating key views and vistas from within the site, for example towards Glasgow Cathedral.
DSS 2014 Interview with Calum Murray: http://bit.ly/1zoZWKu
•
CCG Construction and Manufacturing Group: http://c-c-g.co.uk/
•
Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Athlete’s Village: http://bit.ly/11o0w0e
•
A+DS, GREEN 2014:
•
700 homes in 700 days: http://bit.ly/1hj331S
Future development of the site? CCG hope that as the village moves into the legacy phases the landscaping will both mature and be
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver transferrable learning, methods and approaches.
enhanced. One of the areas which they would
The world cafe is one such transferrable technique
like to see enhanced, but which is outside
that participants can put to use in their professional
the remit of the project, is along the banks of the Clyde itself. There is linkage planned by
lives. A learning point on the world cafe method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World Café Session | 05 Community reconnection and regeneration
World Cafe Presenters Bill Rohe, Fulbright Chair, Glasgow School of Art Alison Brown, Clyde Gateway URC
The specific example of the development strategy for Glasgow’s East End was introduced by Alison Brown of Clyde Gateway URC. In the East End, the former heavily industrialised land in the area
Project / Topic Introduction
is being gradually redeveloped for residential
Bill Rohe, Fulbright Chair at the Glasgow
time, being connected to the river Clyde and the
School of Art presented on his research
surrounding communities. Discussions looked
interests of community connectivity in urban
at the degree of robustness towards creating
areas. “Connectivity is often undervalued.” This
community connections in the area.
statement framed the community reconnection and regeneration session. What are the various kinds of connectivity? To create better connectivity it is sometimes a requirement to punch through barriers to re-knit communities in order to end isolation. The concept of connectivity encompasses physical, environmental and ecological linkages between a community and its surroundings. So how do we link local people to social and economic opportunities in surrounding areas?
and commercial uses which are, at the same
What is connectivity? Connectivity covers a broad range of conditions of which some are less immediately visible than others. A simple practical example of creating a broad connectivity is to make the connection between living and working, and to create mixed forms of tenure within a place. Connections do not only include physical links, but also plenty of other values like social, economic, human, environmental, political, design-related values and so on.
Local Context 05| Community reconnection and regeneration
Discussion Points What connections were being made in the East End? Many physical connections have been established. The M74, railway services including station facilities, cycle paths, walkways and footbridges across Clyde River have been extended and links of public transport to the city centre tightened. Other social, economic, cultural and community-to-community connections are
social, local processes and plans on the strategic level were discussed and a market driven “anything goes” policy rejected. If used in the right way, urban design principles and guidelines can strike a balance between social and economic interests and give different stakeholders a legal framework. Generally, group activities encourage connections and community involvement is necessary in every plan.
also being strengthened, although this is not
How to deal with physical vs social
currently formally documented.
infrastructure investment? Urban development
What makes a resilient plan? Examples were discussed of places where links were missing between development zones and directly adjacent neighbouring areas. There was felt to be a need for robust planning policies to balance such situations. A resilient development plan shapes
plans and strategies can perhaps rely too heavily on transport investment to the exclusion of other social or community drivers. Would money spent on road infrastructure have more influence on successful connections through investments in social and other supporting services?
and will be shaped by all kind of connections,
Concluding thoughts and discussion points
not only the physical ones. Opportunities for
included. How might other development and
connections at the right level can easily be
regeneration professionals respond, learn
missed; even in well supported plans such as
and benefit from the discussions? What is the
Clyde Gateway.
optimum balance between the market and the
What does connectivity mean here? In the case of Glasgow, re-connectivity might even be the right term to use. The eastern part of Glasgow
interest of the local area and how can the market respond to those needs? And finally - are we remaking place or removing the place?
did at one time have good connections to the city centre. Connections between communities have been broken and former residents were not invited to come back.
Relevant links... •
Clyde Gateway
How far can connections be made from a
•
http://www.clydegateway.com/
grassroots level? Might such an approach
•
Glasgow City Council’s East End Local
even be essential for successful, sustainable outcomes? Might a market-led approach weaken community connections or is it the only appropriate solution to our urban planning practice? Current policy may not be creating
Development Strategy: •
http://bit.ly/1zV1wHd
•
A+DS, GREEN 2014:
•
This Friday Linked via light interview: http://bit.ly/1sAWCKp
sufficient levels of social sustainability. These
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver
points were mostly discussed through school /
transferrable learning, methods and approaches.
education examples as other community focused elements were less prominent in the East End Strategy. The interdependencies between these
The world cafe is one such transferrable technique that participants can put to use in their professional lives. A learning point on the world cafe method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World Café Session | 06 Addressing health inequalities at a neighbourhood level
World Cafe Presenters Etive Currie, Glasgow City Council
tackling obesity by incorporating health into planning policy and practice.
Rosemary Robertson, East End Housing
Sharing their experiences of working with East
Association
End communities were Etive Currie of Glasgow
Project / Topic Introduction The subject of health inequality is hugely widereaching in scope. This world café session
City Council and Rosemary Robertson whose initial involvement in the project was through the Bridgeton Community Learning Campus.
focused specifically on experiences from a project
Discussion points
in Glasgow’s East End which sought to address
Bridgeton has struggled with issues of image
health inequalities at a neighbourhood level.
and reputation. People who live in the area
Following publication in 2008 of the Scottish Government’s “Equally Well” Report on health inequalities, a number of trial projects were established to assess whether innovative
have partly adapted to the neglect. In spite of this, Bridgeton Cross was felt to have a nice atmosphere and was a place which made local people feel special.
approaches to the delivery of public services
Participation is a deciding factor for success
might help to address health inequalities.
in addressing health inequalities. You might
Bridgeton, in Glasgow’s East End, trialled an approach to reducing health inequalities and
ask yourself what happens if you put 40 folks, including kids, people with disabilities and
Local Context 06| Addressing health inequalities at a neighbourhood level
young mums in a room. Basically, everybody
people tend to invite others as soon as they feel
starts communicating their own and current
included.
experience. “They reinforce what they already think – mix it up a bit!”
In the end, locals started to question the nature of the environment, and who was responsible
People were wary of faceless professionals who
for the issues. It shows, once again, that
just forward issues to other intangible bodies.
communication without barriers like language or
They formulate plans and publications on their
jargon in a relaxed, non-workshop atmosphere
own, using incomprehensible terminology and
must be a central strategy to improve
see people as statistics.
inequalities. Communities also need to see real
So how can you get authorities to take action
benefits and not feel their time is wasted.
for places they’re responsible for? Pavements
Toolkits were developed out of the project to
are too tight for walking and letting children
assist professionals and wider links for the work
play, dog mess is an issue and the feeling of
are now being sought.
pleasure of walking is simply missing. Advice says how important good and healthy nutrition is – but this is difficult where money is lacking, and where neighbourhood access to retail options is limited. Interestingly, safety and the perception of it were named repeadtedly as issues concerning health inequalities. This was especially the case for women at nighttime who would avoid badly-lit routes close to pubs and bet shops. Additionally families can be scared by dark, industrial shapes seen from their backyard. Parks often feel too big and too dark which can cause feelings of unsafety and stimulate uncertainty about how to use and benefit from
Relevant links... •
Scottish Government, Equally Well Report: http://bit.ly/1xorTUU
•
Equally Well, Glasgow Centre for Popuation Health:http://bit.ly/1sO1JDB
them.
•
Planning for Better Health Report:
Therefore, much more important than just
•
http://bit.ly/1xosdTN
developing tools in the Equally Well project
•
Bridgeton Community Learning Campus:
were soft-skill outcomes like confidence
•
http://www.bclc.org.uk/
•
Glasgow Centre for Population Health:
•
http://www.gcph.co.uk/
building, getting over the mistrust of “parachute professionals” and reducing stereotyped thinking through conversation. Peoples ideas can be gathered through different methods in creative ways. For example, ask
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver
people to “Photograph your journey and say how
transferrable learning, methods and approaches.
it makes you feel”. Planners can then interpret. In Bridgeton, scrapbooking was used as a method.
Being listened to makes a big difference and
The world cafe is one such transferrable technique that participants can put to use in their professional lives. A learning point on the world cafe method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World Café Session | 07 Active use of heritage assets - Canal Regeneration
World Cafe Presenters Keith Mackay, Development Surveyor at Scottish Canals
Project / Topic Introduction Keith Mackie of Scottish Canals presented a talk and discussion on the ‘Active use of Heritage Assets’. He explained Scottish Canal’s role as a public body with a remit to safeguard the heritage
The idea to create the £3.25 million Paddlesport Arena in the Pinkston Basin at Port Dundas was generated through analysis of the area’s social needs and through engagement with local community groups. The future ambition is for the project to act as a springboard for further similar development, with a desire to redevelop this northern quarter as Glasgow’s ‘Urban Playground’.
of the canal and to create new revenue streams
The second project on the Caledonian Canal at
by tapping into the canal’s leisure and tourism
Banavie focuses on the engineering triumph and
potential.
heritage of Neptune’s Staircase to attract tourism
Keith presented two current projects reimagining the use of the canal, at the Pinkston Paddlesport Arena on the Forth and Clyde Canal and smaller initiatives along the Caledonian Canal near Banavie in the Highlands.
and to develop the stretch of canal between Banavie and Gairlochy as an ‘Activity Hub’. The aim is here is to foster an ethos of partnership; encouraging people to get involved and building on the momentum of initiatives, unified by a common vision for the canal.
Local Context 07| Active use of heritage assets
Discussion Points How was the Pinkston Paddlesport Arena project realised? The new facility, opening in June, was designed by 7N architects and
Would local residents would be able to get discounted rates for these facilities? Negotiations from NG Homes were trying to make this happen.
Andrew Laird of Engineering Paddler Designs
What are impacts of the development?
(EPD). The project evolved out of a need for
Developments focussed on healthy lifestyles
regeneration, with the social and economic
were key to forming an identity for the area
decline of the area following the closure of the
but also to deliver the wider social aims. It was
Diageo distillery.
important to explain fully to funding bodies
Following analysis of the area’s social needs and engagement with local community groups, the idea to create a watersports venue out of the basin was formed. From here a number of
how this would work and the potential positive impact the facilities could have on social inclusion and self-esteem amongst young people in this area.
paddlesport enthusiasts grouped to create a
The second project on the Caledonian Canal at
Social Enterprise and with the help of Glasgow
Banavie focusses on the engineering triumph
Canal Regeneration Partnership (Glasgow
and heritage of Neptune’s Staircase to attract
City Council, Scottish Canals, ISIS Waterside
tourism and to develop the stretch of canal
Regeneration, and Igloo Regeneration),
between Banavie and Gairlochy as an ‘Activity
were able to find funding from a number of
Hub’.
independent and charitable sources including
How was enterprise stimulated in the area?
the Scottish Government.
Opportunities were created for operators to
What is the future ambition for the site? It’s
lease shops, cafes, activity equipment hire like
hoped this project will act as a springboard for
bikes and canoes, camping pods etc. by selling
further similar development, with a desire to
the vision of the canal and the canal-side as a
redevelop this northern quarter as Glasgow’s
place of activity. Scottish Canals hope that by
‘Urban Playground’.
supporting these more activity will follow.
How was the site acquired? The valuation of Diageo Hill had been a difficult process but in the end was realised through the Igloo Regeneration Fund. This crucial step cemented the project from idea to reality and gave the community and Social Enterprise faith that
Relevant links... •
Scottish Canals:
•
http://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/
•
Glasgow Paddlesport’s Centre – Glasgow Canals: http://bit.ly/MQFXRS
funding bodies were committed to the ambition.
•
Banavie – Scottish Canals:
How was community engagement handled?
•
http://bit.ly/1uapSbc
Although charrettes had been undertaken, very few local residents from nearby Speirs Wharf had partaken. Wider engagement, however, with community groups were productive and the future ambition for a mountain bike track, wakeboarding park and a community sports club that could tie into an ‘urban playground’ are all being optimistically approached.
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver transferrable learning, methods and approaches. The world café is one such transferrable technique that participants can put to use in their professional lives. A learning point on the world café method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World Café Session | 08 Regeneration of heritage assets - mixed use re-design
World Cafe Presenters Audrey Carlin, Clyde Gateway URC Eileen Deans, Bridgeton Library, Glasgow Life
Project / Topic Introduction A key part of Clyde Gateway’s strategy to tackle regeneration in the East End is focused on the historically important area of Bridgeton Cross, just a mile from the city centre. An initial one million pound investment here saw the community led revamp of the landmark Bridgeton Clock Shelter, or “Umbrella”, as well as improvements to the surrounding public realm. This was followed by the mixed-use redesign and redevelopment of the derelict B listed Olympia Cinema building, which saw a comprehensive
re-imagining of the building as a mixed use community hub, incorporating a café, a library with Scotland’s first British Film Institute (BFI) Mediatheque, a centre for boxing excellence and two floors of office space. Audrey Carlin, Senior Project Manager at Clyde Gateway discussed the regeneration company’s approach, using creative re-use and re-design to deliver regeneration projects. Eileen Deans of the Bridgeton Library gave a ‘user’ perspective of collaborating to develop space and services to support to the local community through the new library and media hub.
Local Context 08| Regeneration of heritage assets - mixed use redesign
Discussion Points How were the projects initiated? The Bridgeton Cross regeneration work was driven by a local Community Steering Group, with support from Clyde Gateway staff and external design consultants. The design of the space was developed following a public consultation exercise which highlighted the need to improve the pedestrian experience, the sense of security in the area, and to enhance the sense of the cross as a locally significant place. Traffic arrangements were reconfigured and improvements made to the public realm, lighting and landscaping. With the public realm project successfully completed, the Steering Group’s attention fell on the adjacent landmark Olympia Cinema building which had lain derelict for 20 years. A serious fire at the B listed building in 2004 resulted in the loss of the original interior. Many local people felt a strong attachment to the building. Clyde Gateway set about commissioning surveys and options appraisals and an acquisition process was initiated for the near £10million project. Was the acquisition process difficult? How was
project funding drawn in? The transition from private ownership to Clyde Gateway took around one and half years. Having identified the market value, pressure had to be brought to bear on the owners to sell. The perception was that hopes of an improvement in market conditions were holding back the implementation of a previously approved residential conversion. Funding for the purchase became available to Clyde Gateway through a grant from the Town Centre Regeneration Scheme. A two year Arts and Heritage Project, which included a funded post, was set up to run alongside the main project. How was community engagement handled ? How were public expectations managed? The project was initiated prior to charrette processes. Clyde Gateway were careful not to over promise on the project at an early stage. Communication was channelled through the local Community Steering Group, newsletters, Doors Open Day events, internet and word of mouth and scaffolding banners showing design proposals on the building. Public meetings were attended by local residents, Housing Association representatives, local businesses and other agencies. Regular
Local Context 08| Regeneration of heritage assets - mixed use
newsletters, internet presence and a dedicated
What are the projections for full occupancy of
web site for the Arts and Heritage project all
the building? The business plan, initiated in 2010
contributed to effective public engagement.
when the economy was in the depth of a deep
How were the uses and ultimately the design and interior form of the building established? Clyde Gateway worked with the potential client agencies, Glasgow Life and Sport Scotland, to identify sustainable uses for the building
recession, projected 100% occupancy of the building within 2 years. Its location has contributed to its success – just 1 mile from the city centre, with a train station opposite the building and 16 buses per hour passing the site.
and appropriate facilities. The boxing centre is
What happens next? What are the impacts?
purpose built with higher ceilings and the café
The wider neighbourhood has profited from the
and library were designed in liaison with the user
changes. A row of shops constructed in the 60’s
groups (by architects Page and Park).
have been refurbished with 60% occupancy,
Were there any issues in relation to the listed building consent process? The principles of the scheme including façade retention were discussed and established from the outset with the relevant agencies including the local planning authority and Historic Scotland, all of whom
bringing new businesses into the area. Tenement blocks have been renovated. Future priorities include addressing other derelict buildings. Many local people now use the library every day. There is a general perception that local pride in the area has been restored.
were supportive of a design proposal which represented effective sustainable and creative re – use of a heritage asset. The designation of the Bridgeton Cross area as the city’s 23rd Conservation Area in 2011 by the local planning authority brought added momentum to the regeneration of the area. Was there a strategy to engage locals in using the building, including the younger generations? The Arts and Heritage Project, delivered over the 2 year construction period established a network
Relevant links...
of initiatives and projects that continue to thrive
•
Olympia building at Bridgeton Cross
and flourish. Placements were offered to young
•
http://www.olympiaglasgow.org/
people, local schools and colleges engaged and
•
Clyde Gateway: http://clydegateway.com/
•
Bridgeton Public Library:
•
http://bit.ly/116j97A
inter–generational groups have formed including toddler, writing, history and memory groups. Publications have also resulted including “Double Click“, a book published by a group of young people from a local secondary school who had not previously visited a library. Was the redevelopment process recorded? Local people were commissioned to record the entire construction process which is now available in the library as part of the Arts and Heritage project.
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver transferrable learning, methods and approaches. The world café is one such transferrable technique that participants can put to use in their professional lives. A learning point on the world café method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World CafĂŠ Session | 09 Creative engagement with communities
World Cafe Presenters Ben Spencer, VELOCITY Alex Wilde, Artist on Camlachie multifunctional
result is a list of 62 objectives which are now to be considered well beyond the Commonwealth Games.
greenspace consultation project
The underlying role of VELOCITY is to look at
Project / Topic Introduction
city, with the aim of communities feeling able to
Ben Spencer introduced VELOCITY, which originated following a question by Glasgow Life, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Glasgow City Council and Creative Scotland about what a cultural response to the Commonwealth Games might be. The VELOCITY Operational Plan then identified venue clusters, key routes and a number of project plans within the City of Glasgow. The
Re-imagining, Re-connecting and Re-pairing the influence their local area. They engage artists to work with communities and encourage artists to re-think socially engaged art practice. To be a VELOCITY project, there must a community, an artist and a physical impact. Artist Alex Wilde spoke about her work on the multi-functional green space community engagement project in Camlachie, in the East End of Glasgow.
Local Context 09 | Creative engagement with communities
Discussion Points What did the project involve? Camlachie had undergone extensive regeneration around 10 years ago which had left a number of areas in between housing for development. The people of Camlachie could be said to be suffering from “consultation fatigue”. The designs for the multifunctional green space had already been produced. Hence Alex’s role was to use a range of different methods to engage with the community based on these designs. The Camlachie project is one of 20 Commonwealth Games Greener Legacy Projects identified by the Glasgow City Council. Who is the Client for the project? Glasgow City Council approached VELOCITY around the issue of consultation fatigue, who suggested engaging an artist. The profect was run as a joint commossion with the West of Scotland Housing Association who got involved as the land owner. The consultation formed part of the statutory duty to consult on the planning application. Who was engaged through the project and how? Alex spoke about her work with schools and youth groups engaging with the 10-16yr age group. She found that 10-12 years olds were most engaged and 14-16 year olds less so. Alex generated lots of imagery based on the plans and children selected the images they liked best. To engage with the wider community images were projected into the site, and another prominent location in the community, which prompted discussions with local
How did the design proposals change following the consultation? And what were the outcomes of the project? Originally the design was part formal area, part football pitches. Now it is more informal and wild- with a mound of earth now on the site creating some topography. The changes to the design were communicated back to the community by another projection on the site. The consultation was successful in helping designers re-assess their plans but had also raised local expectations meaning that the project must deliver. Work started in June 2014 and was due for completion in March 2015. What is the role of the artist in the process - who is the protagonist? This varies from project to project, in Camlachie there already was a plan which was changed by feedback, on others the artist is making the proposals. In the case of Camlachie, the tight brief and timescales meant that Alex could not be the protagonist. In other projects there will be a chance for the artist to creatively influence. How was the Camlachie project different? How does this compare to your general work? Alex explained her involvement in socially engaged art practice- the main challenge was the timescale- it was interesting to learn to develop relationships quickly. This project was different as it was a trial of a new type of consultation method. The aim was to increase the biodiversity of the games at 3 sites identified for development – this was seen as a route to use a new consultation method.
people passing by. Feedback was also projected
The VELOCITY Plan is interesting, but 62
from the consultation back onto the site. On
objectives are hard to deliver. How could plan
reflection Alex noted midwinter was probably not
have been re-organised to prioritise these? At
the best time to carry out the consultation. Ideally
the end of year 1 VELOCITY reflected back on
it would have been better to have longer to build
the nature of the plan. No-one saw the impact of
up better relationships. In spite of consultation
workload. The priorities are projects that must be
fatigue, local adults did engage. The change in
delivered for the Commonwealth Games. Some
method from a standard one off, one day event
reflections were made about the ambition of
had perhaps helped with that.
VELOCITY. Did VELOCITY present a bit of a sea change for
Local Context 09 | Creative engagement with communities
artists? It changes a lot of views about how we http://www.ads.org.uk/features/this-friday-presents-integrating-grey-and-green-rolf-roscherneed to re-think socially engaged art practice. Relevant links... interview Will VELOCITY exist beyond the Commonwealth
Please ask Sam Laura role for aiscopy ofuntil this2015image… Games? TheorDirector funded
•
Interview with Alex Wilde from the Design Skills Symposium: http://bit.ly/1qIwxpm
we are looking into how it can continue.
•
*March 2014 …A further £100,000 funding was
•
VELOCITY Glasgow:
•
http://www.velocityglasgow.org.uk
•
VELOCITY Camlachie:
•
http://bit.ly/1x3ufTZ
•
A+DS, GREEN 2014:
•
This Friday: Integrating green and grey. Rolf
awarded from the CSGN towards the Camlachie Multifunctional Greenspace project which aims to improve greenspace on derelict land in the east end of the city, close to the Commonwealth Games village.
Glasgow City Council – Multifunctional Greenspace Projects: http://bit.ly/1xosJkv
Roscher of ERZ talking about the Camlachie masterplan: http://bit.ly/1v9iWvN
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver transferrable learning, methods and approaches. The world café is one such transferrable technique that participants can put to use in their professional lives. A learning point on the world café method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World Café Session | 10 Culture and regeneration
World Cafe Presenters Maggie Page, Creative Scotland Stewart Henderson, Chemikal Underground and The East End Social
Project / Topic Introduction Maggie Page introduced participants to the work of Creative Scotland - the national body for Scotland’s arts, film and creative industries, who invest in talent and artistic production across all parts of Scotland. Creative Scotland distribute around £90million of funding annually from both the Scottish Government and the National Lottery and were a partner in Culture 2014, the £4 million cultural programme for the Commonwealth Games. Maggie touched on relationships between culture
social is part music programme, part communityengagement project. It sought to deliver a diverse and ambitious music programme within a range of venues in the East End between April and August 2014. In placemaking terms the project is interesting due to its innovative use of existing spaces. The lack of conventional arts and music venues in the area led project organisers to utilise outdoor spaces, libraries, care homes, primary schools, cinemas, parks and community centres over the course of the programme. The events would bring visitors together with existing communities in areas such as Calton, Bridgeton, Easterhouse, Dennistoun and Dalmarnock. The project was an official Culture 2014 event.
and regeneration, potential impacts and funding
Discussion Points
streams available.
Relationships between culture and
Stewart Henderson, has operated record label
regeneration?
Chemikal Underground from Bridgeton since
There are three acknowledged types of
1997. Stewart shared his story of how the East End Social project came to be founded. The East End
relationship between culture and regeneration; Culture-led regeneration: usually high profile
Local Context 10 | Culture and regeneration
involving reclamation of open or disused space Cultural Regeneration – full integration of culture into on-going strategy or existing regeneration plan Culture and regeneration – small scale introduction of culture which is not integrated into a strategy or is retrofitted to a strategy. These approaches are not exclusive and can develop over time. Examples of all three are evident in Scotland and all can bring success to varying degrees. However, it is clear that when culture is integrated within an overall regeneration plan (such as has happened in preparation for the Commonwealth Games eg VELOCITY, Culture 2014) there are better opportunities for aligning aims and cross-sectoral working. What economic role do creative industries play? Creative industries have been identified as a key growth sector by the Scottish Government, with a GVA of £2.8 billion. 65,200 people were employed within creative industries in 2012, which represents 2.69% of all employment in Scotland. Many economic impact studies have looked at the role of cultural events such as the Edinburgh Festivals. What contribution does the creative sector make to physical regeneration? £130 million of lottery funding has been invested by Creative Scotland in the cultural infrastructure of Scotland’s towns and cities. Beyond Scotland examples of landmark buildings eg the Guggenheim effect. But it is not all about the landmark architectural gems – public art, refurbishing and revitalising old buildings are often the most successful projects. Some Scottish Cities have developed ‘cultural quarters’ eg
Connecting and responding to the needs of communities – artists can play a unique role. Creative investments can be used to develop skills such as literacy and numeracy as well as health outcomes. Projects also often address issues of personal confidence and community pride. The east end social is an example of this principle; using music as a catalyst for social / cultural engagement within the East End. Tea dances at the barrowland ballroom. Regae sound system, Alexandra Park. Duke Street concerts and pop up performances in churches, libraries, charity shops. All with a view to trying to broaden and enliven provision of music in the area and bring people together. How did the East End social come about? Glasgow has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the last 30-40 years from an industrial / post industrial city to a very cosmopolitan, culturally sophisticated city. Stewart explained that great as that has been for the city, most venue provision has been housed in the centre, the W End and the South Side. The East End, for a whole host of reasons has been a pretty barron landscape in terms of conventional venues / concerts / theatres. As a record label, East End based, they felt well or uniquely placed to bring provision to the East End – house it here. Came up with the concept of the East End social What evidence is there of impact? There are challenges to demonstrating impacts: Social aims can be less quantifiable. Issues with lots of individual evaluations, but a lack of longitudinal and in-depth comparative research. Noteable that arts and culture are by no means alone in this challenge.
Glasgow and Dundee. Risks and drawbacks
What funding does Creative Scotland have in
include gentrification, lack of coherence.
place for regeneration?
Role for culture in social regeneration?
Funding sources include: Place agenda – 11
Local Context 10 | Culture and regeneration
place partnerships with local authorities; Capital fund – Buildings; Capital Fund - Public Art – sited which is defined as. ‘activity that takes place, or is situated, in a public space – for example a hospital, public park, school playground – rather than situated in a traditional art space. Creative Scotland recognise that public art practice is diverse and supports projects across a range of media and disciplines.’ They sponsor SURF Awards and engage with Arts and criminal justice and Cashback to communities schemes. What is successful regeneration? How does
are not unique to the East End of Glasgow. What is crucial is to have organisations with vested local interest in trying to make sure that what is being proposed and delivered is relevant and has meaning and connection with people living in the heart of it. In terms of regeneration, all people want to know, see, be reassured of is that what they are being consulted on is useful…authentic…something they want. Connection with the area is central to whether it succeeds or fails.
culture contribute to economic, physical, and social regeneration outcomes ? Investments can take different forms – for example new buildings, public art instillations, community projects, festivals. The impacts are at different scales – whether regeneration of a city, region or neighbourhood. –starts with the individual. Outomes physical / economic / social are inextricably interlinked – eg a landmark building which does not engage successfully with its local community has not met its full potential; projects which aim to tackle the social issues such as confidence and skills building would expect to have an impact on access to labour markets. Successful regeneration is framed with reference to all of these impacts Success of East End Social? Time will tell. As a local record label though, East
Relevant links... •
http://www.creativescotland.com/ • •
in the East End. The question is whether it can be done in a way people feel is authentic. Whether something can genuinely be delivered for communities in the East End as well as those outside. The challenges faced in the East End of Glasgow
East End Social http://www.eastendsocial.com/
•
Interview with Stewart Henderson from the Design Skills Symposium:
Centre, to a large scale concert in Richmond Park, a vast spectrum of events will be delivered
Creative Scotland - funding sources http://bit.ly/10meyyD
End social have brought a different dynamic. From monthly tea dances in Bridgeton Community
Creative Scotland
•
http://bit.ly/1tk0FaT
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver transferrable learning, methods and approaches. The world café is one such transferrable technique that participants can put to use in their professional lives. A learning point on the world café method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World Café Session | 11 Delivering community benefits through contracts
World Cafe Presenters Niki Spence, Clyde Gateway Zoe Welsh, Jobs & Business Glasgow
project. This does not mean that every contract has a community benefit as it may not be relevant or practical, however it is always considered and a decision documented. The nature of the
Project / Topic Introduction
community benefit must be related to the nature
A ‘Community Benefit’ is a legal clause included
Clyde Gateway.
within the procurement process, to maximise the opportunities of planned investment and to increase the opportunities for Glasgow residents to secure employment, business start-up and business growth. The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003
of the main contract and is at no additional cost to Zoe Welsh of Jobs and Business Glasgow fed into discussions on her organisation’s role in helping improve the employability of Glasgow residents by equipping them with the skills that employers are seeking.
and the EC’s Single Procurement Directive
Discussion Points
enable public bodies and the private sector
How does Clyde Gateway’s approach work in
to enter into community benefit agreements.
practice? During the first phase of construction
These procurement processes not only include
projects, concerning design, teams must have
construction projects, but also marketing,
a nominated community benefits coordinator
consultancy and media contracts amongst others.
who works directly with Clyde Gateway. Clyde
Niki Spence of Clyde Gateway explained their approach to consider community benefits and job possibilities at the project appraisal stage of every
Gateway have linked their projects to schools to enable work experience placements and similar. During the build phase, contractors are required
Local Context 11 | Delivering community benefit through contracts
to deliver on one or more types of Community
with local Clyde Gateway residents. This is
Benefits, which are [1] Targeted Recruitment
despite high levels of worklessness and in
and Training, [2] Support to Small / Medium
particular related to high levels of Job Seeker
Enterprise’s and [3] Community Enhancement. At
Allowance (JSA) claimants. Having researched
the end of the occupier phase, they try to maintain
the skills levels and areas of occupational interest
jobs and apprenticeships as happened at the
of local JSA claimants they know that there is
RedTree Business Suites Rutherglen. They have
theoretically a match for the entry level of practical
also required Community Benefits in other areas.
jobs. In practice identifying and engaging locals
Who is best placed to identify the potential for community benefits? The World Café presenters believed that project managers are best placed to identify maximum community benefits through giving their knowledge of the project (physical or non-physical) to the community in which it operates, independent of the nature of the
is much harder. Clyde Gateway has therefore introduced two generic outreach workers, two youth outreach workers and one Housing Association outreach worker to raise awareness of opportunities, signpost and increase referrals to the “employability pipeline”. These workers are funded by Clyde Gateway and hosted by partners.
beneficiaries (e.g. unemployed, community group,
How far is the concept of Community Benefit
Small/ Medium Enterprise). Their intentions
achieved in Procurement? When working to
are likely to be realistic and achievable. Finally,
support Small / Medium Enterprise, they ask
commitments to Community Benefits need to
for the procurement schedule in advance to
consider labour market conditions, contractor
potentially match any businesses to available
challenges, transport issues and barriers faced by
work packages. These local businesses can
many of our residents including poor motivation.
then register on the portal and go through the
How is the process of recruiting people handled? A variety of employability partners is crucial for success. Two Local Authorities, Job Centre Plus, Skills Development Scotland, College Consortium, Glasgow Regeneration Agency (GRA), Routes To Work South (RTWS), and Scottish Government form a group that
contractors’ necessary procurement and supplier processes as required. This approach has resulted in a number of local companies getting additional work. If they require additional labour due to the knock on effect, Clyde Gateway manages these vacancies, too.
meets quarterly to review activity to date, get
Relevant links...
updates on Clyde Gateway planned projects
•
Clydegateway: http://clydegateway.com/
and other partner activity within the area. The
•
Community Benefits through Procurement – Clyde Gateway: http://bit.ly/1xG3lqP
main function of these partners is in vacancy handling. This involves notifying all partners of Clyde Gateway vacancies, taking and tracking referrals, ensuring eligibility, arranging interviews, organising feedback and ensuring re –referral of
•
Employment and Training – Clyde Gateway: http://bit.ly/1r0nhx0
•
Jobs and Business Glasgow: http://www.jbg.org.uk/
unsuccessful candidates to original partner and
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver
ongoing tracking of successful candidates in the
transferrable learning, methods and approaches.
workplace for 12 months.
The world café is one such transferrable technique
What are the levels of local uptake? Despite
lives. A learning point on the world café method is
the best efforts of Employability partners there
available in the Learning Resources report.
were difficulties experienced in filling vacancies
that participants can put to use in their professional
World Café Session | 12 Stalled Spaces - Community empowerment to activate public spaces
World Cafe Presenters Frazer MacLeod, Glasgow City Council
projects have been assisted and over 25ha (the equivalent of 21 international football pitches) of land has been brought back into temporary use.
Project / Topic Introduction
Examples include: arts project, events space,
Glasgow currently has more vacant or derelict
spaces, growing space, outdoor education, pop-
sites than the rest of Scotland put together. The stalled spaces initiative focuses on the temporary use of vacant land, under-utilised vacant space and sites earmarked for development that are currently ‘stalled’.
exhibition space, green gym/play/outdoor exercise up park, pop-up sculpture, urban beach, many other innovative ideas. Some specific projects include: •
recreating a vacant site as a timber store and
In 2011, Glasgow City Council, in partnership with Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), established a small funding programme to provide
drying yard •
stalled space projects. The project recognises the opportunities available to use unproductive vacant land on a temporary basis to deliver a range of innovative projects for the benefit of local communities. So far, 60
A regeneration of the Greek Thomson Sixty Steps – as a civic / community space
financial assistance to community and voluntary organisations of up to £2500 to implement their
the Gal Gael trust (a social enterprise)
•
A Sport Space project funded by GCC and Glasgow Life Sport for multifunctional space, cycle path and Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in the Tollcross area, where designs were developed in consultation with the local community
Local Context 12 | Stalled Spaces - Community empowerment to activate public spaces
Discussion Points Are there any restrictions? Funding cannot
annum. Part funded by GHA, part funded by GCC development and regeneration services.
be accessed by business – it is only open to
The funding was initially part of ‘greening’ budget
community groups and not for profit organisations.
to improve vacant and derelict land in run up to
Only temporary uses for spaces are considered
Commonwealth Games. Now, funding for different
(week/month/year) - with the exception of certain
purposes such as sport comes from a different
Sport Spaces (up to 5 years). It was discussed
stream. It can’t be used for things that the Council
what counted as vacant and derelict land. There
should be doing anyway.
are no time or size of the site restrictions.
The sums involved are low (£2500 won’t buy
Is planning permission and neighbourhood
much!). Applicants seek match funding from, for
consultation required? Not generally – projects
example, area partnerships, or sources such as
should be temporary and not constitute
Big Lottery funding. Other funding needs to be
‘development’ in planning terms. In one instance
in place at time of application or less points are
planning permission had been required and
awarded. Many areas within Scottish Index of
secured for a change of use in a park within a
Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) are disproportionately
conservation area, where the community group
affected by vacant and derelict land. Additional
wanted to establish polytunnels.
funding is available in such areas.
Are there issues around public safety / liability –
Who provides leadership, access to information,
big insurance? Community groups need to have
support? People approach with an idea and a
insurance in place.
place in mind. It is not directed by the council
Tracking the benefits? Funded sites are monitored to enable analysis of benefits – at present what
or promoted directly to groups. The programme relies on community interest.
happened, who helped and its monetary value is
Is there help to find owners – like a database
recorded.
of vacant sites? No, but people can be shown
Benefits for landowners are financial and physical, including stewardship and maintenance. Land is left the same or better. The idea in long term is to encourage long development of sites. Communities involved are developing new skills and knowledge, raising employability, strengthening neighbourhood reactivation and bringing together diverse groups –connecting people. What are benefits for the authority? As well as physical neighbourhood regeneration benefits, there are recognised health and social impacts – eg: Parkour interventions have been proven to reduce youth crime.* Funding / prioritising? Around 30 projects are funded per year from a budget of around £40k per
an overlay of vacant and derelict land. There is information on GCC website and interactive maps of existing sites in development. Are design services provided? No - can advise sources for architects, builders. Communities are also encouraged to connect with schools of architecture / landscape architecture. Glasgow Uni, Glasgow Strathclyde, Edinburgh College of Art and Escala have all been involved as well as the Wastelands Collective Edinburgh and Escape society. Can you help groups that have to vacate a site? Can’t suggest alternative sites, but can put in touch with other local groups. What if you have idea, but no idea where it would fit? An online forum to share resources - help communities of interest to find each other is seen as a good idea.
Local Context 12 | Stalled Spaces - Community empowerment to activate public spaces
How do communities get to know the project and its opportunities? Particularly in areas of deprivation where most needed. Is there outreach to more isolated groups? Lots of public won’t be aware. They might live beside a derelict site but not know how to catalyse. Manifesto? Political buy-in is important. Currently relies somewhat on
Stalled Spaces Scotland... In July 2014 a national ‘Stalled Spaces Scotland’ programme was launched. Commisoned by the Scottish Government and delivered by Architecture and Design Scotland, the project will facilitate
councillors promoting.
the temporary use of under-used green spaces,
Land ownership / buy-in? Landowners can
land throughout Scotland. Through the programme
be public or private. Lease templates are
A+DS aims to support local authorities to develop
available to assist communities in negotiations with landowners. An initial in and outdate is agreed at outset (typically 12 months), which can be reviewed on a monthly basis after that.
stalled development sites or vacant and derelict
their own initiatives, using the knowledge and learning from the award winning Stalled Spaces initiative developed by Glasgow City Council. Local authorities throughout Scotland have the opportunity to bid for a small fund to help kick start
Community use is secure for lease period. Longer
the project and will also have access to a package
extensions can be renegotiated at end of lease.
of seminars and workshops to support them and the
How can you convince landowners? Political buy
Successful local authorities will be announced in
in and sponsorship helps. Glasgow City Council and GHA logos reinforce the initiative’s identity. Publicity and promotion around the games and its legacy also is particularly helpful.
communities in their area to realise their plans. November 2014. Projects and funding for communities will be available through selected local authorities from April 2015. Further details on the progrmme can be found here: http://bit.ly/14QESTB
Future for the programme? Will the programme continue? Yes. It has been going since 2010 and will last as long as funding remains available.
Relevant links...
Is there enough demand? Yes. Increasingly, more
•
arts and sports projects are coming forward.
Stalled Spaces | Glasgow City Council: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/stalledspaces
Applications are currently oversubscribed
•
A+DS Stalled Spaces: http://bit.ly/14QESTB
because of Commonwealth Games.
•
A+DS Pretty Vacant Pecha Kucha:
Was a national roll-out / pathfinder project on the cards? Yes, it had been proposed and was receipted as a good idea. Glasgow has most vacant and derelict land – so there would be regional differences. A previous attempt by one authority hadn’t been able to convince private
http://bit.ly/1CIixTV •
Greenspace scotland | stalled spaces – opportunity or problem? http://bit.ly/14QFdWs
•
Sport England | Creating Safer Communities – Shaping places through Sport: http://bit.ly/1BQ2CpI
owners. Peppercorn rents are an option. The process needs to be driven by the local authority, with a model to fit in that area and with a strategic fit within the hierarchy of the Local Authority. *“Parkour is about the art of movement in an urban environment. It combines running, jumping, climbing, dropping and balance and teaches self discipline, self control, co-ordination and core stability”
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver transferrable learning, methods and approaches. The world café is one such transferrable technique that participants can put to use in their professional lives. A learning point on the world café method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World Café Session | 13 URBACT - Integrated Approaches to Urban Renewal and Social Inclusion
World Cafe Presenters Marie McLelland, Glasgow City Council
Project / Topic Introduction
period. This group is tasked with looking at four specific social issues – health, housing, employment and education. 2. Local Action Plan – A strategic plan for the
URBACT is a European exchange and learning
Govanhill area has been developed looking at
programme promoting sustainable urban
specific ways to solve particular issues within the
development. The programme is specifically
four main target areas.
tasked with tackling urban issues and works through a partnership of European Union (EU) cities. Cities work together to share good practice
Much of the work is being delivered by third sector organisations.
and lessons learned on new pragmatic solutions
Discussion Points
to make economic, social and environmental
What triggered the application to URBACT?
change within the city.
Glasgow City Council (GCC) noticed that
In 2010, Glasgow City Council were approached
URBACT was spending a significant amount of
by the URBACT programme and asked to participate in the scheme. The focus in Glasgow is on social inclusion specifically targeting the new
money in certain service areas, which indicated that there was an issue. They felt that something needed to be addressed and chose the Govanhill
migrant Roma population within the Govanhill
area.
area of the city. Govanhill is an ethnically diverse
What areas is GCC aiming to tackle? The Local
population with over 52 languages spoken. It
Action Plan covered a series of recommendations
was chosen because it was seen as the most
looking at a number of issues including:
concentrated area of need in Glasgow. To make this happen, URBACT required two things to be set up: 1. Local Support Group – A group focused on creating a vision for the area over a three-year
Employment (improving low-level employment opportunities & tackling youth unemployment) Education (encouraging children to stay in education, improving family literacy) Housing (Improving housing conditions, improving
Local Context 13 | URBACT - Integrated approaches to urban renewal and social inclusion
access to social housing, working with Scottish
quality. Although housing standards are poor from
Government to change legislation)
a UK viewpoint the Roma population see this as
These targets are reviewed by URBACT every three to five years. At present the initial programme period has run its course (August 2010 – 2013) and been extended by a 14-month period allowing a continuation of the work. How does the GCC monitor success? Glasgow City Council realised early on that measuring on a shorter scale would be difficult and would not provide them with a realistic view of success. Ultimately they are looking to make generational change. More people will be able to access mainstream services, more people will be accessing social housing rather than only being able to use private landlords, there will be an
much better than they are used to. In addition to this registration requirements for private landlords much easier to attain than multiple occupancy meaning that requirements are less. One of the recommendations is to lobbying government to make changes to make it easier to access social housing. Another challenge is the issue of institutional racism. Some of the Roma population are nervous about approaching local authorities as some have come from countries where oppression from authority figures is commonplace. This will generally take attitude change and working with the community.
increase in education within both families and
What was the perception from the rest of the
children, and people will be able to have the right
community? Govanhill has always been an area
to public assistance much easier.
of low prosperity. There are couple of concerns
Are URBACT still involved in the project? Yes. They are involved for the initial three years for the project and provide an initial funding of
within the wider Govanhill community. There is an increased fear within the local community with a perception of crime leading people feeling unsafe.
60,000 euros. There is an initial monitoring period
Some people also feel that activities are being
by URBACT of the overall plan outlining what
skewed toward Roma. This was also exacerbated
the problems are, after which the local authority
by the Press, which has made the job more
needs to create enough capacity to allow the
difficult to do. There is a general perception that
project to continue. URBACT then step away from
the Roma population are taking jobs and services
the process.
away from locals. As such a lot of work is being
Has GCC had much backing for the project? There has been a high level of commitment at a political level. The deputy first minister is involved
done around community cohesion. Publicising events is very carefully considered to avoid misconstruing information and feeding into this.
in backing the programme and a lot of local
What do you think has been achieved so far
counsellors are backing the project.
and what do you think is still to be done?
What do you (Marie McLelland) see as the main challenges of the programme? One of the biggest challenges is housing. It is one of the more complex elements and is something that is quite difficult to change. Most Roma do
One of the things that haven’t been achieved is major legislative change for housing, which is still in progress with the Scottish Government. Westminster also needs to change some issue around benefits.
not have access to money and therefore are not
An issue still to be tackled is small-scale
able to access social housing. Most live in private
employability opportunities. The Roma population
landlord accommodation that is generally of poor
quite often don’t meet the minimum standard for employment, which can be difficult.
Local Context 13 | URBACT - Integrated approaches to urban renewal and social inclusion
One of the biggest wins for Glasgow City Council, so far, is that local organisations are now on board. This is down to the fact that a lot of work has been undertaken on community cohesion. Part of this was through capacity building bilateral working with other agencies. Also, as Glasgow is a receiving city it also has good insight into why the Roma are responding in certain ways to things. This allows issues to be dealt with faster.
Relevant links... •
Glasgow City Council: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/
•
URBACT: http://urbact.eu/
•
Zoom on Glasgow – Roma-Net – URBACT: http://urbact.eu/en/results/zoom-on/?zoomid=51
The aim of the design skills sympoisum is to deliver transferrable learning, methods and approaches. The world café is one such transferrable technique that participants can put to use in their professional lives. A learning point on the world café method is available in the Learning Resources report.
World CafÊ | Contributors With many thanks to the following people who gave generously of their time to contribute to the delivery and write up of the Design Skills Symposium 2014 World Cafè sessions: Presenters
Scribes
Alex Wilde, Freelance Artist
Caroline Bell, South Lanarkshire Council
Alison Brown, Clyde Gateway
Francis Newton, City of Edinburgh Council
Ally Corbett, Glasgow and Clyde
Ruth Smith, Falkirk Council
Valley Green Network Partnership
A+DS: Calum Robinson, Connor McGinley, Emilie
Audrey Carlin, Clyde Gateway Ben Spencer, VELOCITY
Borg, Emma Halliday, Eric Dawson, Heather Chapple, Laura Hainey, Michael Cant, Steve Malone and Stephen McPhail.
Bill Rohe, Fulbright Chair at Glasgow School of Architecture
Editing and formatting assistance
Calum Murray, CCG Scotland.
Maria Herzog
Eileen Deans, Bridgeton Library Etive Currie, Glasgow City Council Frazer Macleod, Glasgow City Council Hugh McNish, Forestry Commission Scotland Keith Mackie, Scottish Canals Maggie Page, Creative Scotland Marie McLelland, Glasgow City Council Martin McKay, Clyde Gateway URC Niki Spence, Clyde Gateway Rosemary Robertson, East End Housing Association Stewart Henderson, Chemikal Underground Steve Gray, Glasgow City Council Susan Nash, Forestry Commission Scotland Zoe Welsh, Jobs and Business Glasgow
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