Månad: mars 2014

After the town walk we all got to share valuable feedback on Falkenberg, looking at the town from several different perspectives.

This is a short summary of what was presented and discussed during the workshop
1. ”Public art”
Who is allowed to have a saying? Who sets the limitations? Artwork with public owners and private owners… When do we have a citizen dialogue about public art? Usually it´s when the artwork is already in place that there can be a dialogue… Temporary vs permanent art – which one do we use? And when to use which one? How flexible should or could public art be? The sense of ownership through citizen participation and dialogue. The possibility to use art as a pull effect to inspire more movement in the town centre! What makes public art works? How do we broaden our public art ”audience”?

2. ”The town by the water”
There’s a missing link/dialogue concerning the town centre and the beach. There’s also a lack of signs that tell you where to go and a wish for interpretation along the way. Choose which way to use and stick with that! Make it easy for people to meet other people who want to do the same thing.
Use what you already have! Maybe creating something spectacular out of it…? It’s important to tidy up and make people feel safe when they´re using the area – at all time, day as night.

3. ”The town square”
What is a square? What makes a square a square? Multifunctionality is a keyword. A large square would benefit from a better definition when different types of space coexist next to each other. Make it easy for visitors to find the hidden treasures in the town center. If there´s a story – tell it, whether it´s about art, buildings or the river! Who´s suppose to use the square? Who do we design and build for?

4. ”Living in the town”
”You have a great place. Start using the space!” /Arthur, Ballymena. It´s possible to make big differences with a low budget. City planning is 80% management, 20% design. We should call it city programming instead of city planning.
The identity and image of the city – work with what you have. The visual and sound image of the city – use it!

In the afternoon a workshop on town development including a town walk was held, focusing on Falkenberg. The participants was divided into four groups: “Public art”, “The town by the water”, “The town square” and “Living in the city”. The town walk was aiming to inspire to discussions and new solutions about different development areas in Falkenberg town center. At the end of the day a presentation was held of the outcome from each group.