http://www.rex-ny.com/
Free space against Private space
Free space is a disappearing necessity within the city. Where the underpinnings of civilisation itself (democracy, free speech) are supposed to be held, are replaced with objects of commercial gain, and even public spaces capable of holding demonstrations, are purchased and become silent in debate. Joshua Prine Ramus (in his TED lecture) spoke of the library being one of the very few places available to a citizen as ‘free space’, and as such should be something beyond traditional forms imposing silence, they need open spaces, mixing areas and even conversation. It is these qualities that my building should embody, TED lasts for two weeks only, it needs an occupation for other times, like the city needs free space.
http://www.rex-ny.com/
http://www.rex-ny.com/
Site Selection
Council specified Leeds Retail areas
Council specified Leeds Study areas
Council specified area of accessibility around Leeds train station
Combination of all areas
Areas of overlap
Brief
Because only a limited amount of seats are available to a limited number of people able to journey to California, a secondary event, set in an English city, held for a different group of intellectuals and open to students should be held, and the be the centrepiece of Leeds Renaissance towards a creative economy.
This is to be a 'simulcast' event, in which the conference itself is broadcast, in a possible cinema style environment, after several hours from initial performance. This has two distinct advantages from hosting the conference itself, firstly the scale of the operation, a more appropriately sized structure to cater for a smaller audience, a local audience, which could (in theory) be possible future TED attendees. This becomes a possible solution, and advantage two, in that given the reduced exclusivity of this local event, more interested (as opposed to dedicated) parties could gain access to the broadcasts and environment of intellectual conversation. This specifically addresses the young and upcoming talent, which needs to be nurtured in producing the next generation of ideas.
This is to be a 'simulcast' event, in which the conference itself is broadcast, in a possible cinema style environment, after several hours from initial performance. This has two distinct advantages from hosting the conference itself, firstly the scale of the operation, a more appropriately sized structure to cater for a smaller audience, a local audience, which could (in theory) be possible future TED attendees. This becomes a possible solution, and advantage two, in that given the reduced exclusivity of this local event, more interested (as opposed to dedicated) parties could gain access to the broadcasts and environment of intellectual conversation. This specifically addresses the young and upcoming talent, which needs to be nurtured in producing the next generation of ideas.
The TED conference is held in Long Beach, California annually, and is a pilgrimage of 1500 of the 'greatest' minds from every field of study (but predominantly technology, entertainment and design, hence T.E.D.) to discuss the ideas of a select 50, 18 minute long performances over a two week period. The great power of this event is the ability to draw experts and occasionally young, idea rich speakers. The attitude of treating ideas with incredible value is one that needs to be spread, as the TED slogan states: 'ideas worth spreading,' bringing this motif to a wider audience, not only geographically but towards the next generation. The TED website fears criticism of elitism, of holding its seats for the rich at $6000 a ticket, a ticket which is invite only. To break this necessary hold to secure vital funds (TED is owned by the Rowntree Foundation, a registered charity) subsidised tickets are offered to those deemed unable to pay.
To increase the spread of ideas to the public, the website is primarily a video lecture service, offering full viewings of the performances for free. This has created an online community capable of dissecting and criticising the biggest, and implementing the simplest.
Prelude
In analysis of the Leeds high street Briggate as the introductory project to the year, a much considered factor was the people. Briggate, unlike other quarters of Leeds, had an incredible diversity, crossing all social and economic boundaries.
Research on its retail capacity also recognised that all shop fronts on the pedestrianised street are either brand or chain stores, (the last two independent stores were being closed at the time of research). Despite the range of economic incomes satisfied by the various brands, there was nothing to satisfy limited-no income.
During the period of research I was reading the book No Logo by Naomi Klein, and toyed with the ideas within of the affect of corporate will upon retail options and even public spaces. The notion of large chunks of inner city being bought to become private property geared to consumerism, where even external space, (in the form of access and ‘public’ squares) is subject to the rules of the retailer, pressed onto me the need to secure public ‘free’ space.
Possibly not, at least not under the current economic condition, the ‘credit crunch’ was a new phenomenon at the time and its larger impact was threatening many things. It was in reaction to this that the year had unanimously expressed dissatisfaction with the current economic methods and even capitalism itself, with proposals ranging from solutions to satire. The overwhelming view is that now, in a period of limited business investment, a more public infrastructure may be put in place. It seems sensible to predict that the gears of commerce shall run again, the idea that they would not appears avoided or unimaginable. So assuming the trend of encroachment on public space continues, division of class on social and economic stance will remain, and even provision of architecture to satisfy a clients desire for profit only. A more social orientated product is required, a free space allowing public gathering outside of exchanging money. Returning to the social groups of Briggate, it strikes as worrying that none of the groups can be based on a knowledge factor. Where is the space now where people can discuss ideas, philosophise and think? Joshua Prine-Ramus called public libraries ‘the last public free space in the city,’ (1) but I don’t think they can fulfil what else is required of them. Some other idea market is needed.
(1) http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/joshua_prince_ramus_on_seattle_s_library.html
Research on its retail capacity also recognised that all shop fronts on the pedestrianised street are either brand or chain stores, (the last two independent stores were being closed at the time of research). Despite the range of economic incomes satisfied by the various brands, there was nothing to satisfy limited-no income.
During the period of research I was reading the book No Logo by Naomi Klein, and toyed with the ideas within of the affect of corporate will upon retail options and even public spaces. The notion of large chunks of inner city being bought to become private property geared to consumerism, where even external space, (in the form of access and ‘public’ squares) is subject to the rules of the retailer, pressed onto me the need to secure public ‘free’ space.
Possibly not, at least not under the current economic condition, the ‘credit crunch’ was a new phenomenon at the time and its larger impact was threatening many things. It was in reaction to this that the year had unanimously expressed dissatisfaction with the current economic methods and even capitalism itself, with proposals ranging from solutions to satire. The overwhelming view is that now, in a period of limited business investment, a more public infrastructure may be put in place. It seems sensible to predict that the gears of commerce shall run again, the idea that they would not appears avoided or unimaginable. So assuming the trend of encroachment on public space continues, division of class on social and economic stance will remain, and even provision of architecture to satisfy a clients desire for profit only. A more social orientated product is required, a free space allowing public gathering outside of exchanging money. Returning to the social groups of Briggate, it strikes as worrying that none of the groups can be based on a knowledge factor. Where is the space now where people can discuss ideas, philosophise and think? Joshua Prine-Ramus called public libraries ‘the last public free space in the city,’ (1) but I don’t think they can fulfil what else is required of them. Some other idea market is needed.
(1) http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/joshua_prince_ramus_on_seattle_s_library.html
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