Reflection 4/7

The Networking Effect

The time spent in Barcelona was a way to apply some of the early conclusions we had made about a place heavily researched via desktop, all the conflicts, protests and activists. Presenting our group work to the local public was a great opportunity for an open dialogue that we used to ask questions.

We maintained an ‘open-door’ policy for all critiques/ tutorials or discussions which was fundamental to the networking required to make the most of our stay in Poble Nou. Attending and hosting talks lead to further avenues for exploration, through which we met new people and enriched our research further. Key for me was the exploration of ‘makerspaces,’ often digitally orientated inventors and tinkerers. I visited workshops, participated in creating of products and attended events that encouraged todays generation to become ‘makers.’

It was truly inspiring to see how active collectives can be and our stay in Poble Nou has hopefully been mutually beneficial. Without the process of interaction and engagement I think our projects would have been of little benefit to the community and in their plight to sensitively change their area for the better they engaged with us. Since our schemes have been enriched by the local people along the way, we wish for our projects serve as a think tank for the community in what could potentially lead to a positive outcome for those fighting to achieve a more integrated scheme in Can Ricart, whilst we achieve our Masters thesis.