Neighbourhood Renewal Communication Map

Submitted by: Rob Annable

Website: http://blurtonvision.co.uk

Describe your idea. How does it work and who does it help?

As architects and urban designers we need tools for enquiry that allow us to understand the issues that are most important to a community's future. Online techniques of communication allow us to provide greater and more diverse discussions with residents and community groups. The low cost of these tools allow us to consider them as a long term investment to be endowed to a community for use long after the enquiries and design proposals have been completed.

The information that ties these two groups together is maps. Maps loaded with data about the existing neighbourhood and the proposed changes. Our submission proposes to develop ideas already explored on our live projects using project web sites to consult and report on the ideas for change, but taking it to the next level with web2.0 techniques allowing more freedom of content and a greater number of authors.

The consultation tool would begin by using an open map system, developing it in as much detail as possible with the help of the community and then using it as the backdrop for discussion. The 1st stage of the process would see the community submit comments and questions by marking up the map and describing their neighbourhood, followed by the design team making proposals using web2 techniques to connect drawings, videos and photos to the map; inviting feedback, criticism and ultimately approval. The background of data collection assisting the design team to better collate the findings of the consultation. Moving from enquiry to delivery then the proposals are developed for real, their progress can continue to be charted in the communication tool.

When the project moves into stage 2 the authorship of the system can be handed to the community, turning the map into a discussion and publishing tool for resident groups, schools and clubs. It would continue to develop alongside the data being inputted by the design team about changes to landscape and buildings.

The open map content creation represents the base that allows web2.0 techniques like phonecams, blogs, RSS feeds and info widgets to grow around the community, beacons of activity engaging all levels of community role and age. By seizing control of the map we create communication freedom.

Other proposals for Show Us A Better Way would compliment this idea, such as Widget factory and Neighbourhood Watch Widget.

This proposal can offer an existing project precedent that has already experienced stage 1 (the consultation) which now looks towards stage 2 - the community publishing tool. Development of the core tool would also allow the system to be deployed on other projects just beginning their journey. Blurtonvision.co.uk shows an example of a web site that demonstrated the possibilities; with improvements from the data transparency provided by web2.0 we can take it to the next step.

What information or services do you need?

• Open map tool - openstreetmap.org or OS version to be explored
• GPS tools
• Top-down information streams - traffic, health, crime etc
• Complimentary Show Us Widgets!