Civic Fabrication : Urban Futures: Alternative masterplanning techniques for the future of Dalmarnock, Glasgow, projected into 2050.

Outline: As host of the XX Commonwealth Games, Dalmarnock is undergoing a period of rapid change and unprecedented top-down ‘regeneration’. The civic impact of these interventions is enormous and controversial. Students were asked to imagine a future for the area, and to share and modify this in discussion with local people.

The pedagogic model seeks to connect students directly to the area and its citizens. Students are exposed to ambiguity and conflict, and asked to professionally navigate their role between these stakeholders. The tutor enables this communication but does not to pre-empt or impose direction. Students develop their views on the role of the architect.

The project has a long-term social aim in this deprived community. It is hoped this may encourage future engagement in Higher Education and also in public debate surrounding the future of the area.

Can this project succeed in communicating value to both the academe and to local residents/developers? The presentation will reflect on the ‘magic moments’ of success, but also on the failures within the project and navigating the risks, academic and social, of undertaking such a project.