MAP YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY. This resource is inspired by research and design collective Lateral North's Possible. Scotland
A CELEBRATION OF PLACE: EXPLORE THE POSSIBLE
MAP YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY This resource is inspired by research and design collective Lateral North’s Possible Scotland Project. On tour in a custom built camper van, they provide travelling workshops which facilitate communication, help planning and regeneration, re-think infrastructures through new technologies, offer system thinking and visioning, and help communities create a strong identity. Community development is the product of many choices, but who gets to choose? Some people feel that it’s up to developers, but this activity shows how communities could look if everyone were part of those choices. What possibilities are to be found in your back garden, your street, your community, and your country? Re-draw your community map to reflect the things you value most and want to shape the future!
HOW TO: Search online for a simple, downloadable map of your community (be it a school, neighbourhood, village, town, glen or strath!). Try to find one that includes lots of space for drawing and writing.
If you are artistic you could try and create your own map Ordnance survey maps can work well If you’re really keen, you could search the National Library of Scotland for a map you like: http://maps.nls.uk/
Print out as many copies as you’ll need, or create one huge map for people to add their ideas to. This could even be a projection on the wall. You could begin this activity with a story circle, or you could jump straight in. Ask participants to list the community spaces and facilities they’d like to see in the future and add these to their own individual maps, or to a big map for everyone to contribute to. For example, this might be: new green spaces, new public parks and squares, new schools and community centres, new housing, renewable energy centres, new markets, gardens, allotments, shops, cinemas, arts centres, etc. Your imagination is the only limit! Using writing, drawing, collage or your own creativity, ask people to add their visions to the map. This could be as simple as post-it notes, or you could create something spectacular that could go on display.
