How to Brixton
We see commons as a fluid process by which the community shapes the physical, cultural, and social identity of space. As identity is derived from communities, who are often transient, ‘space’ is therefore also fluid.
With gentrification comes a sense of displacement and the feeling that the commons are no longer welcoming spaces. Gentrification poses the question- who is Brixton for and who shapes its future?
We are exploring how to capture the rich cultural history of Brixton while also accommodating the stories that are yet to be written by Brixton’s future residents.
How To Brixton aims to realise collaborative and dynamic mapping of the oral histories of Brixton’s commons. Led by ‘community journalists’, How To Brixton will ensure Brixton’s cultural history is not lost, identify where Brixton’s commons currently are and enable citizens to collaborate on how the commons could be used in the future.
Citizens will be able to upload their stories to a digital archive which will aggregate and categorise them while allowing people to:
– learn about Brixton’s past commons and be involved in curating this oral history;
– participate in Brixton’s present commons by capturing their current use and by whom; and
– shape the future of Brixton’s commons by identifying where they are underused or at risk of closure, and the needs and aspirations of citizens.
This digital common will be sustained through:
– digital infrastructure (geo-mapping app technology and data storage) resourced by
start-up crowdfunding/fundraising events;
– commissions from organisations seeking analysis of the data and/or consultation activities;
– in-kind donations of time and skills from community journalists and/or conveners; and
– proactive engagement with the community groups and active citizens of Brixton, using their feedback to shape and evolve the digital common.
Elena Guidorzi
Elena is a consultant at CSES currently working on Seismic, an EU project on Social Innovation. She has an MSc in sustainable policies for the built environment. She is interested in place making that fosters social value in urban environments. Elena contributed to all stages of the design concept.
Glenn Hatton
Glenn is an Art Director at a London studio, working with animation and live action. He is passionate about how personal narratives can bring people together. He wants to create films that help us understand our place in the world. Glenn designed and produced the video, A0 board, and banner.
Danielle Lowson
Dani is a Sustainability Assistant at Metropolis Green. Dani has a BSc in Environmental Science and is interested in contaminated land management, energy resources, green space and urban sustainability. Dani contributed to the design concept’s development and consultation phases.
Meera Rajan
Meera is the Founder and Director at Made by Me. She focuses on the relationship between the built environment and urban health. She believes design with a clear social objective can create a better living, social, and working climate for all. Meera contributed to all stages of the design concept.
Josie Swords
Josie is a freelance consultant at Sword & Space, with a background in public policy and strategy. She is interested in how to democratise government services and enable citizens to be real partners in shaping more inclusive public amenities. Josie contributed to all stages of the design concept.
