Geoff's blog

The relationship between stage and street

Geoff Mulgan - 05.11.2012

Last month I attended a session in New York, exploring the links between the performing arts and urban design. The session was led by Richard Sennett and Saskia Sassen as part of urban forum Theatrum Mundi/Global Street.

There's a long history of interplay between stage and street, and the debates were truly fascinating: highlights for me included the discussion of  the overstimulation of the city in the 19th century; presentations of new lighting technologies to transform urban spaces (some reacting to people, following them, or sending subtle cues); the use of 3D sound installations to transform the experiences of place; and the ways in which social network technologies exploiting serendipity will change our sense of connection in the city, helping us quickly find potential friends, drinking partners etc. 

Another discussion looked at places for free speech in the city, which I'll write about separately.  The website with all the presentations is here www.theatrum-mundi.org. 

I was also able to combine the trip with visits to New York's emerging innovation zone and ecosystem (run by my former colleague Andrea Coleman. We're aiming at something very similar in the UK, focused on digital technologies); sessions with UNDP, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Rockefeller, each of which is turning out to be an excellent partner for Nesta.

Some praise for a place back home

I visited Gorton Monastery a couple of weeks ago - a hub of social projects in one of the poorest parts of Manchester. Its social mission is impressive - but it really stands out because of the building - a wonderful church designed by Pugin in what was a working monastery until 1989 (when the last 6 friars left). It's a glorious space, bathed in light, brilliantly restored, and packed with sacred geometry that really does enhance the soul. It's also a sad reminder of the unnecessary soullessness of so many buildings and streets, including so many of the places that aim to be centres of innovation. Why are so many science parks deathly dull?