What if I could use the POS to host events and regular community programmes?
From “Good” to “Desirable”
How might we promote social interactions?
Adaptable spatial configurations, such as resizable multi-functional spaces, can accommodate different group sizes and encourage interpersonal interactions.
Allow flexible furniture arrangement.
Moveable furniture, such as folding chairs, can promote accessibility and human connections and contribute to urban placemaking. Meanwhile, well-maintained flexible facilities can create a sense of safety for users.
Versatile resource management with the involvement of the community.
Consider providing equipment-lending services to ensure a long-term operation. This may require extra management resources. Early discussions with POS Personas, such as the Magnet and the Sage, can be useful in developing a feasible management model. For example, creating a POS ambassador scheme to invite the general public to participate in the operation of POS, which saves manpower and involves the community at the same time. You may find it helpful to use Design Thinking Tools “Topic Cards”, “Innovation Ladder”, or “Resource Cards & Task Cards” to facilitate discussions with the Magnet and the Sage.
How might we enhance the community’s perception of the POS?
Host regular community-led programmes.
The design specifications of event spaces should be carefully considered in the early stage of the design process. The types and scales of the programmes expected to take place at the POS should be considered to ensure suitable configuration and scale. Early discussions with POS Personas, such as the Magnet and the Sage, can be useful.
Design room for pop-up programmes.
Upcycled and temporary structures can be quickly installed to serve as gathering spaces for pop-up programmes.
Unlike having a permanent space to promote regular recreational activities, pop-up spaces celebrate impermanence and spontaneity by creating lively temporary designs that attract and support the community’s creative expressions and local livelihood.Designers should discuss with the community to learn about their needs and aspirations.
Unite stakeholders in the community through cross-sectoral collaboration.
Invite local specialists and NGO groups to host events and programmes for the public to learn more about the neighbourhood.
Organise programmes in the POS to provide marketing opportunities for local groups or artists and nurture a vibrant community.
Collaborate with the Mediator to leverage on their extensive community links and local expertise and tailor events suited for the community.
Experiential learning programmes can cover content focusing on local characteristics. Tours for educational purposes can highlight the uniqueness of the neighbourhood. Consult local experts and explore local skills and techniques to develop richer experience-based programmes.