For the panel discussion, Hala was joined by Fatoş Üstek, Rachael Roe from the Greater London Authority, Sherry Dobin from Futurecity, and Simon Silver from Derwent London Plc. When talking about his company’s experience of integrating arts and culture into their buildings, Simon emphasised the interlinked nature of art and architecture. In his view, working with architects and artists fostered a joyful experience, especially when you get a good result that makes people’s day to day more enjoyable. Furthermore, he found that commissioning for Derwent’s developments to be far more rewarding and meaningful than just buying some art. He also accredited Westminster Council for encouraging Derwent to include a theatre in their mixed-use development Soho Place.
Regarding the definition of typologies in the context of culture in development, Rachael commented that the GLA divided the Cultural Infrastructure Plan into two categories: cultural production and cultural consumption. In line with Rachael’s definition, Sherry laid out the five typologies used in the guide: what objects and artworks will be used, cultural infrastructure and cultural production, cultural consumption, temporary exhibitions, and cultural activities and events. The purpose of these clusters is to help developers figure out what kind of cultural engagement they want.
Working with various built environment professionals may prove to be a challenging process. Fatoş commented that as cities transform, finding the right space is a challenge. However, this change should be embraced. Additionally, is it not enough to focus on short-term gains – building for the futures requires more. Rachael highlighted that while creative industries are among the fastest growing in London, we have been rapidly losing artist studios and music venues. The impetus for the cultural infrastructure plan has been to protect and support them.
Further topics discussed included the question of which stakeholders should be involved when. The guide, Sherry explained, can aid in understanding who these stakeholders might be. To create meaningful partnerships requires understanding what each partner can contribute and how they can benefit. There is also a need to understand how community stakeholders can have a meaningful role that makes the most of their knowledge when involving them in the process.
Finally, the panel discussed the measurement of success. Sherry commented that it is crucial to be honest about what you want to achieve. This allows for more challenges to be set out and a part of the artistic process is to deconstruct and to ask questions. Although Fatoş questioned the viability of numbers, she stressed their importance in understanding scale, and measuring trace and impact.
Artists as stakeholders and whether the long-term revolution in art is helping the bottom line of developers was discussed in the Q&A session. Simon remarked that if developers succeed with an artwork and the place becomes more popular, in some way it will add value to the building. Yet, this is not the motivating factor. Instead, it is to create something beautiful.
Words by Mona Ivinskis- Junior Marketing Officer, PLP Architecture