Time and Space

Lifelong learning, flexible partnerships, collaboration as a default – all phrases I used at the recent Adult Learning in Scotland Conference. But what do these phrases really mean?

Firstly, they mean a small but fundamental shift in the focus of our attention: a redefinition of what we mean by success and effectiveness. Rather than ask how the institution benefits, we begin to ask how the individual benefits and to look at the greater good.

And, secondly, we look at time rather than just space. Or is that merely yet another one of those phrases? Yes it is – but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Rather than ask how we should timetable next year or revise the project management plan, we begin to ask how we can help an individual plan their lives and how we might affect the growth of a whole community.

We’re told in the run up to every election that ‘it’s all about the economy’. When it comes to the design of educational buildings we sometimes need reminded that ‘it’s all about learning’.

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Plans

Two frequent comments at workshops: “We can’t tell you what we need unless we see some plans” - “We don’t believe you’ll listen to what we say because you’ve already drawn up the plans.” Spot the fatal flaw in reconciling this philosophical impasse.

George Orwell, in his novel 1984, talks about ‘doublethink’ – the ability to believe in two contradictory ideas at the same time. It may be a sophisticated trait but it’s an unhelpful one if you believe in making things better.

So, do we share drawings? Of course we do. But, the longer we empower the user by talking in their language, then the more likely it will be that we will have meaningful conversations which build trust and empathy. It’s never about the medium – aways about the message. But it helps if you’re understood. So, resist the urge to demonstrate graphic prowess, and keep listening.

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Exuberance

There are words which we seem to exclude from our lexicon when we talk about architecture. They tend to be words we think of as less grown up: words which seem less sensible when compared with, for example, the thoughts of Vitruvius. For a start you don’t need to translate them from their classical origins.

Some words are unashamedly about how you feel – today. They escape from your thoughts like visceral responses to what is happening around you: rather like how we react to great spaces. 'Exuberance' is one of those words we rarely use about design.

William Blake said Exuberance is Beauty. He was a great poet and visionary. And we need to embrace exuberance, and words like it, if we are to inspire design that is poetic and visionary.

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