After the Fire, Into the Fire: Some observations on a risk-taking project in the public realm

  • Dr Nicky Ryan: Programme Director, Spatial Communication and Contextual & Theoretical Studies, LCC

This Lightning talk starts at 13:40 in room T303. Back to Lightning Talks

Brief description of session and activities

This Lightning Talk will comment on working with BA (Hons) Design Cultures students to co-design a brief and plan a live project that engages with a variety of stakeholders in the public realm. In March 2013 the Cuming Museum suffered serious fire damage and closed to visitors with no date given for re-opening. As a valued industry partner with whom we have worked on a variety of projects, the Spatial Communication and Contextual & Theoretical Studies Programme was keen to offer its support after the fire.

From discussions with museum managers Catherine Hamilton and Judy Aitken, concerns emerged about the future of the Cuming Museum and its collections and the role it would play in Southwark’s planned regeneration scheme. It was concluded that the most useful support a student project could provide would be to raise the profile of the museum through an exhibition and related events in order to stimulate public debate about its future.

This talk highlights some of the risks and challenges involved in setting up a project involving a range of stakeholders with competing objectives and conflicting opinions. How can students effectively engage with multiple audiences and navigate their way through the complexities of local and institutional politics? What is at stake in the realisation of this project and is it possible to plan for an outcome that really makes a difference?

Will students be involved in the session? If so how?

No

What will participants take away from the session?

The talk will stimulate debate about the benefits and challenges involved in students taking risks and testing boundaries. It will also raise awareness of the kind of skills that a live project such as this can generate (i.e. negotiation, critical thinking and problem solving, the ability to ask the right questions, collaboration across various networks, adaptability, initiative, information analysis, effective communication, imagination, innovation).