Blog Scriptum Multiplicities
In these extraordinary times since February 2020, the idea of coworking and cocreation are key topics as societies seek new formula for making a good living. We believe that reaching out to local initiatives, regional policy makers and international academics engaged in city innovation measures is important at this time. We are aiming at becoming more sensitive how to collaboratively create the next urban. We foresee three stages of dealing with this crisis:
Phase one will be the co-development of urgent medical and practical equipment to help save lives. We also address relevant social, digital and urban infrastructures that help in these times. Phase two will be the development of secondary equipment, material infrastructures and small-scale interventions to cope with physical distance over longer periods. Phase three will be the co-development of tools, infrastructures and services to restart the urban economy and develop a resilient collaborative ecosystem after the global shock of the pandemic.
The following key themes connect those engaged with Co-Governance, Co-Creation, and understanding the role of collaborative niches for urban development. Blog editors are Dr. Steve Harding (Birmingham), Susy Silva (Lisbon) and Dr. Bastian Lange (Berlin/Leipzig).
Embarking into a more resilient urban future
Which new factors will urban policies need to focus on post pandemic to encourage economic development, green growth and social cohesion? We can see the early signs of what the new urban spaces may be. It is a common problem and will require specific responses however, there are other factors particularly from a planning perspective.
Author: Dr. Steve Harding, Birmingham City University (BCU)
What´s next? How can we co-design collaborative solutions to help makerspaces in times of pandemic?
What are practical measures and approaches for policy makers post-Covid to help build innovative solutions? An intermediate comment by Susy Silva (Lisbon), Dr. Steve Harding (Birmingham City University) and Dr. Bastian Lange (University of Leipzig) after six months of global pandemic. The text is a proposal how to co-design collaborative solutions for makerspaces in Europe.
Author: Dr. Bastian Lange, Urban and Economic Geographer, University of Leipzig.
Cultural interface projects – digital placemaking strategies of the city of Mannheim (Germany).
The city of Mannheim is widely known in Europe for its progressive culture and creative industries eco systems. But how to adept running cultural and creative interface projects in times of pandemic? We reach out to Dr. Matthias Rauch, Cultural Creative Officer at Startup Mannheim, to interview him on city´s digital placemaking strategies in times of Covid-19.
Author: Dr. Matthias Rauch, Startup Mannheim
Youth in times of Covid-19: Where are the spaces for young adults?
How are young adults doing in times of Covid-19 and the restrictions it imposes? Dr. Bastian Lange comments from a spatial point of view on their living conditions and pleads for more niches and experimental spaces to be made available for young people in the city as well as in the countryside.
Author: Dr. Bastian Lange, Urban and Economic Geographer, University of Leipzig.
Tapping the innovation potential of crisis
Creative industries habe been heavily struck from Covid-19 but at the same as crisis-proof leverer of innovation. Inga Wellmann reports on how the city has supported creative industries making use of their innovative potential.
Author: Inga Wellmann, Head of Arts and Creative Industries Department, Ministry of Culture and Media, Hamburg