The revitalization of cities has commonly been associated with large-scale investments and mega projects that are complex to finance, permit and build and can take several years to come to fruition.
Cities are complex and there is constant evolution. If a major project like a sports arena, events centre or performing arts centre takes several years or even a decade or more to get approved, financed, designed and finally built, we will likely see some bumps in the road getting from concept to completion.
There will also be recalibration required along the way. Once the project is complete, it is impossible to predict how it will be received by the public, how people’s attitudes or behaviours might shift and where some adaptation may be needed.
Instead of waiting so long to begin the revitalization process, what if we could start now by implementing ‘soft’ approaches, such as retooling existing spaces, placemaking and cultural programming? This would allow us to experiment, gain user feedback and recalibrate the experiences of the places we intend to create. All the while, gaining valuable insight that will help inform the longer-term project and shape how people will engage with it.
Speaking with Derek Manns – co-founder of Stagehand, a technology platform that connects local musicians and artists to non-traditional venues to animate public spaces – he believes short-term, nimble activations may hold clues to revitalization.
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