The concept of UrbanLabs originated from our perception that there was an opportunity to accelerate change in the city by gathering stakeholders in urban phenomena under the digital culture umbrella . We set ourselves to the goals of awakening the civic conscience of those
with technological capability, bringing together urban managers and new
digital urban designers and promoting practical outcomes by letting them work on projects, not just listening to talks.
However, we didn't reject the traditional conference format. This time talks were more focused on the potentiality of the digital discourse about the city. Dave Harte, Juan Freire, Adam Greenfield, Ben Cerveny, Laura Forlano, Dana Spiegel and Antonina Simeti, each one in his or her own way and from their own perspectives and experiences, shared concepts, methods, projects and results. They helped us understand how to drive the complexity of urban (re)design from the digital culture standpoint.
In comparison with UrbanLabs08, we attracted more professionals from architecture and city management who were responsive to the "call of the digital".
We also tested a first specialized workshop format, Fabien Girardin's LIFT workshop on urban computing.
The method of work we first tried in UrbanLabs08 was intensified thanks to the "broths" managed by Platoniq who also introduced some humor. In addition to creatives, technologists, architects and activists I saw plain citizens joining the project tables. Still, they were a minority This is something we must consider seriously if we want UrbanLabs to generate projects of real interest to citizens.
We still have to work hard so that participants leave UrbanLabs with something more than an endorphine surge.
However, we didn't reject the traditional conference format. This time talks were more focused on the potentiality of the digital discourse about the city. Dave Harte, Juan Freire, Adam Greenfield, Ben Cerveny, Laura Forlano, Dana Spiegel and Antonina Simeti, each one in his or her own way and from their own perspectives and experiences, shared concepts, methods, projects and results. They helped us understand how to drive the complexity of urban (re)design from the digital culture standpoint.
In comparison with UrbanLabs08, we attracted more professionals from architecture and city management who were responsive to the "call of the digital".
We also tested a first specialized workshop format, Fabien Girardin's LIFT workshop on urban computing.
The method of work we first tried in UrbanLabs08 was intensified thanks to the "broths" managed by Platoniq who also introduced some humor. In addition to creatives, technologists, architects and activists I saw plain citizens joining the project tables. Still, they were a minority This is something we must consider seriously if we want UrbanLabs to generate projects of real interest to citizens.
We still have to work hard so that participants leave UrbanLabs with something more than an endorphine surge.
Fortunately, a very enthusiastic community is emerging around UrbanLabs. It can evolve into a good mix of all these types of people. The UrbanLabs Club or UrbanLabs Rebooted may start in the form of a regular meeting format. Sure Chris, and the Citilab entire staff will put all our best to make it successful and to improve continuity between one UrbanLabs and the next one.
Meanwhile, it is good to share criticisms, suggestions and new ideas for the the next UrbanLabs010 here.
Recent Comments