Spacemakers

Young spacemakers research requirements

The focus of the project is very much on young people taking the initiative for the project and, in many circumstances taking a management role in many of the outcomes expected from the project.

The Spacemakers project is supported by The Architecture Centre, The Glasshouse Trust, Bristol City Council and Hartcliffe Community Campus and two public artists.

The project began in September 2002. The initial phase of the project concentrated o­n education and training. The young Spacemakers have been introduced to many issues relating to the design and use of public buildings. This is achieved through a series of visits and practical workshops with a strong emphasis o­n enjoyment whilst learning.

After an initial visit to the centre of Bristol to view the harbourside and public spaces, as well buildings, the Spacemakers started the project in earnest with a three day residential visit to Trafford Hall, the national tenant's resource centre in Manchester. They took part in a specially designed course relating to the design of public spaces.

Spacemakers take part in a variety of site visits and workshops to Glasgow, London, Westonbirt Arboretum and Cornwall and are ultimately responsible for decisions made o­n location.

Culmination of this phase will be a foreign visit to Holland where Spacemakers will be able to experience work by public artists, communities and architects in the design of public spaces. It is hoped that the Spacemakers armed with the knowledge gained from workshops and study visits will view the work in an informed and educated way.

Once the Spacemakers have this understanding of the broader issues relating to the design of public space, the focus of the project will become closely focused upon Hartcliffe and Withywood.

Through a series of historical and social mapping workshops the Spacemakers will identify a site within the area as a public space for use by the whole community. Several sites have already been highlighted by a variety of sources but the final decision will come from the design team.

With the site identified and knowledge in hand the Spacemakers will set about designing a public space for the community. This will involve Spacemakers briefing architects, landscape consultants and other professionals.

The conclusion to the project will be the realisation of the design project.