Written by:
Louise Dennison
This month’s Chat was a special edition of our WEdesign 2024/25 series, Sharing Place. Different from our other WEdesign events, this one created a more intimate space for open discussions, with the conversations being led by our participants. We explored policies and practices that encourage sharing, not just of physical spaces, but also skills and experiences. From creative hubs to intergenerational projects, the group shared example projects they had been part of or were aware of and the discussion highlighted lots of ways to bring people together through community-led placemaking.
Key Themes
The informal Chat discussion, framed around the theme of Sharing Place, allowed participants to explore what mattered most to them. This open approach led to a rich and diverse conversation about how we shape and share our environments. Key themes included:
- Creativity for Creativity’s Sake – The value of spaces for creative expression without external targets or pressures.
- Spaces to Connect and Be Connected – Designing places that create meaningful interactions.
- The Importance of Informal Spaces for Sharing – Encouraging collaboration and the exchange of skills, resources, and knowledge.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of recognising, celebrating and sharing the good things that are already happening out there and the need to support grass-roots community initiatives.
Creativity for Creativity’s Sake
A key focus for the conversation was the need to create spaces where creativity can flourish without being tied to specific outputs. Many participants highlighted that funding structures often demand tangible, measurable outcomes, making it difficult to secure support for open-ended creative projects.
One participant shared an example of an arts project that encouraged people to engage in creativity purely for the joy of it. This resonated with others who felt that allowing creative play, whether through arts, design, or informal projects, helps encourage connection and creates communities . As one participant noted, “Creativity is always there and implicit, but I wish it was supported more.”
Participants agreed that informal creativity, through public art, allotments, or storytelling spaces, plays a key role in creating places where people can come together, connect, and share.
Spaces to Connect and Be Connected
A recurring theme in this chat was the importance of spaces that facilitate human connection, whether through shared meals, collaborative projects, or simply areas designed for people to gather informally. Participants reflected on how consultation processes for planning often segregates people by demographics, particularly by age which limits the opportunities for organic connections.
One participant shared a story about an accessible beach pathway that, while intended for mobility-impaired residents, had become a favourite play space for young children on scooters. This led to tensions between different generations’ expectations of the space. The discussion highlighted that, rather than imposing rigid rules, we need to think about how spaces can be shared and how they can accommodate multiple, sometimes unexpected uses and become flexible spaces for connection.
Throughout the conversation, participants shared many examples of local, grassroots initiatives which were bringing people together to share, exchange and create. Many of these projects run on a voluntary basis, highlighting the power of local action even without formal funding. The act of sharing and showcasing these initiatives was particularly inspiring, and participants enjoyed hearing about projects that created spaces for connection that were happening across the country. Sharing these stories within our Chat emphasised the importance of having spaces to connect, share and showcase the positive work already underway in our communities.
The Importance of Informal Spaces for Sharing
Participants emphasised the need for informal spaces that allow organic interactions, learning, and resource-sharing. While formal, target-driven projects and initiatives have their place, much of the meaningful exchange in communities happens in unstructured settings, whether through community dinners, allotments, art & craft clubs, or simply having places where people can talk.
Intergenerational projects were highlighted as particularly powerful example of this. One participant spoke about a project which brought together young people and older adults to cook and share meals. The long tables encouraged conversation across generations, creating a mutual understanding and starting relationships that extended beyond the event itself.
Food, in particular, was noted as a powerful way for bringing people together. Whether growing, cooking, or eating, food serves as both a necessity and a cultural connector, creating opportunities for storytelling and shared experiences.
Another participant spoke about the power of walking and talking, how walking meetings and community tours allow people to share personal stories, history, and knowledge while moving through familiar spaces or exploring new ones.
Wrapping up
This Chat became a perfect example of a sharing space. Our participants were very generous in their contributions, which created a rich, interesting and engaging discussion. Our discussion underlined the need to re-imagine how we share, not just in terms of physical spaces, but in how we exchange ideas, resources, and experiences. By giving space for creativity for its own sake, acknowledging and supporting grassroots efforts, designing spaces for human connection, and embracing informal opportunities for sharing, we can build more inclusive and resilient communities.
As one participant aptly summarised: “If we can’t find the funding to do what we want to do, people will meet anyway.” In many ways, this captures the essence of Sharing Place, ensuring that wherever we gather, we are able to create opportunities for collaboration, learning, and meaningful connection.