ARP Action Plan & Research into spaces
I often find that I need to put things into lists, as a way to try to create a plan and to structure my thinking around a subject.
Enquiry:
Is there a need for such a space?
Contact FSP alum, ask her for her insights into the benefits that the temporary FSP project space gave her.
Look at CSS/NSS feedback, to review comments on east Bank/facilities/spaces.
Student feedback from current cohorts.
Hannah Leddy feedback?
Research:
Existing spaces that function in a similar way.
LCC library.
V&A Storehouse
3rd place theory
Lack of such places at East Bank – ‘wellness room’ …
The project as social purpose, embedding social purpose in the course philosophy.
Intervention:
Resources bid – paper, pens, whiteboard, markers, signage – all provided and maintained by FSP.
Put a notice about student services with QR code and email, to be pinned to the wall, as a form of support.
Approach Dean to see if it is possible.
Co-created with students.
Reflection:
Conversations with students who have used the space.
Observations on the space usage, record of the marks made/words.
Research into existing spaces.
Following the conversations in the first workshop of the unit, I would like to acknowledge and thank fellow PGCert student Gem Smith for suggesting that I should look at the LCC Library, and in particular the whiteboard installed there in an attempt to generate a better sense of belonging for students.
Gem also kindly emailed me some pictures that she took, two examples below:
Gem’s suggestion inspired me to research the LCC library. This then inspired me to research other spaces that attempted to create a welcoming environment in the use of architecture, objects, signage, and space.
Some of the images are below.
I then conducted further research into institutions that attempt to foster a sense of belonging. I was particularly impressed by the V&A Storehouse, a new museum that has recently opened in Stratford, London.
The use of spaces to generate a sense of belonging has been informed by my research into ‘Third Place theory’. A theory first posited by Ray Oldenburg.
Oldenburg’s text inspired me to research the existing spaces that exist in the LCF East Bank building that are designed to generate a sense of wellbeing. This led me to the ‘wellbeing Room’.
I found the wellbeing room to be quite depressing.
The image below is of the space that I propose to utilise in my action research project. As you can see in the image, it does not currently have a use, other than an unofficial storage space for rails. There is a sink and desk space in this area which are not used and which I believe have great potential.