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