Cities around the globe are actively searching for solutions to the big societal issues of inequality, growth and sustainability. Large capital cities are often viewed as leaders in developing these technology driven solutions; however increasingly cities and towns of all scales are developing digital experiences which involve and enrich citizen’s lives culturally.
In Dundee we believe that citizens, artists, designers and technologists play a leading role in shaping the future of our city. This was the starting point for this year’s Small Society Lab in Dundee.
The Small Society Lab is an open project which explores the development and understanding of the small city of the future. The Lab, now in its fifth year, is a partnership between Dundee Contemporary Arts, the University of Dundee and Creative Dundee.
Designing the fabric of the city
Dundee’s cultural identity is strong and its communities of artists, designers, developers and citizen groups have always been very active for a city of its size.
The city was recently designated as a UNESCO City of Design, due to its rich design history, current scene and future trajectory. We have a huge waterfront redevelopment underway, the V&A Museum of Design Dundee opening in the next few years and there are a number of other exciting initiatives in progress.
© Flickr user: Irenicrhonda
Small can be practical
Disruptive and innovative ways of working often come from the fringes - small organisations, start-ups and activist groups who have the agility to be responsive and make things happen without bureaucracy slowing them down.
How smaller cities and towns ‘do’ disruptive well using digital is still possibly too early to tell; however from the south of Italy, to the north east of Scotland, forums and platforms are being created to consider the digital fabric of place, bringing people together to explore issues and opportunities specific to living in smaller communities.
Projects like the Small Society Lab have the potential to be transformative by creating a sustainable momentum, with the community and culture at the core, which feels a small but important step in the right direction.
Find out more:
@GillianEasson @nicktaylor3
Small Society Lab: www.creativedundee.com/ssl
The British Council's programme Digital Futures UKMX was a chance for Small Society Lab to exercise its curiosity and creativity. See their playful, civic ideas in a joint Dundee/Mexico City installation at the V&A Digital Design Weekender, previewed here.