Yesterday – July 26th – CLEAR VILLAGE was part of the Big Lunch organised with CIVA and Rolemop at Workshop 44 in Regent Estate in Hackney. Local residents enjoyed a full afternoon of activities, including jewellery making, screenprinting, bike workshops, live music, and a big BBQ potluck. CV shared the report of the Well-Being Analysis with residents, who responded with great interest, sparking conversations about ideas for the area. Many were happy to hear that change was on the way and showed their support of the project in a really open way.
The report is the result of CLEAR VILLAGE’s design residency at the Regent Estate. Over a period of 2 months from May to July 2012, Clear Village design intern Victoria van Wassenhove spent most of her working time in Regent Estate, getting to know the local community, assisting Workshop 44 with their activities, and conducting both detailed and ‘lite’ Well-Being interviews. The work was supported by process design developed by Thomas Ermacora, founder and strategic director of Clear Village, and Alice Holmberg, chief operations officer of Clear Village. Research assistance was provided by Robin Houterman and Tom Cowan of the Clear Village Observatory, while the report has been written by Frank van Hasselt, resident story-teller and philosopher for Clear Village.
The analysis shows that, amongst other aspects, respondents are positive about the diverse cultural backgrounds of their neighbours, and the housing and green spaces in the wider area. Quotes from residents included:
“Regent is diverse, but we get along, we know each other.”
“The quantity of parks is fabulous.”
Although mostly regarded positively, people expressed concerns about aspects of safety, public space within the estate and employment.
“We should have an integrated space, not particular to a certain age or type of person but for everyone.”
“I’ve had two break-ins.”
On the negative side, only 23% of the respondents agreed that there are formal and informal opportunities for professional and personal development. Equally, people do not feel that their voice is represented by local government and decision makers:
“There is too much top-down. There is too much invasive control.”
“People should have their say more often than every four years.”
Glancing at the future of the estate, the community strength we observed is an important asset that can be built on. In various ways, people are willing to contribute to improving their community. Responding to a question of how residents would like to contribute themselves to bringing about positive change, some stated:
“By engaging with the next generation.”
“Being a better person.”
“In whatever way if I have the time.”
For the coming months, Clear Village is excited to start building on the results of the Well-Being Analysis through a series of public space interventions. We look forward to continuing to work together with Workshop 44 and the residents of Regent Estate to bring more life and shared activity to their neighbourhood.
Click here to read the report of the Well-Being Analysis.
