headless chicken syndrome

As we contemplate development of the waterfront, casinos (if ever there was a decision that required a sturdy backbone rather than a referendum, this would be it), rejuvenation of tourism, job creation and mind-boggling deficits, I ask myself: what can an urban planner do? Well, for me, the answer is to draw attention to wheels already invented to which we might hitch our island cart in an attempt to stave off the "headless chicken syndrome". You know - running around in circles squawking.

image: lafayette college via flckrAlthough the intention this year was to move away from blog posts about placemaking, the success of (future) life in Bermuda forces this to be something of a recurring theme. So, what's new in the field? The Knight Foundation has funded a programme of study - Soul of the Community - whose purpose was to find out: What makes people love where they live? And, Why does it matter? In other words, the study investigated community attachment.

Katherine Loflin, lead consultant on Soul of the Community, writing for Project for Public Spaces, notes in the article, Learning from Knight's Soul of the Community, Leaning Toward the Future of Placemaking, while the health of the local economy and civic engagement had their place, the "...'softer sides' of place" mattered too. Loflin notes love of place can translate to economic impacts. People want a place that is attractive, friendly, welcoming and engaging. And this matters because communities where people love where they live do better economically.

As we get closer to a new City of Hamilton Plan, I wonder whether we are asking the right questions? A collaboration between Soul of the Community and Project for Public Spaces is shining the light on lessons learned. For example, communities need to be the best versions of themselves that they can be. Don't reinvent the wheel; optimize it and make it better. Capitalize on a community's unique identity.

I suspect we have a number of lessons to learn, still, in Bermuda. Life is short, so we should just get on with it and stop running around in circles.

Update on 2013-05-13 13:37 by A Ratteray Pryse

This is a link to an article, What makes people attached to a city? by Marlys Harris writing for MINNPOST. Minneapolis has winters much worse than Bermuda and, like us, they spend time worrying about how to attract people to their city as a result. Harris provides an interesting viewpoint of the work of the Soul of the Community Project.

art! culture! action!

In the African Urbanism blog post Accra's Creative Scene: Building a Locally-Driven Cultural Capital by Victoria, it was striking to me that, back in 2011, Accra's artists were pushing forward a locally driven, independent creative movement through art, culture and music. In 2011.

image: african urbanism

Yes, I know Chewstick was founded in 2002, and the numerous art galleries and festivals here were started many years before that, so I guess it's the words "locally driven" and "independent" that catch my eye and attention.

I had a conversation the other day with a videographer who, it seemed to me, was suffering from a certain ennui regarding life/the arts/culture in Bermuda. And yesterday I had a conversation with an environmentalist urging action first and apologies later.

There is a certain way of moving the arts and culture forward in Bermuda. It usually consists of preparing a business plan and presentation and shopping that to the foundations, companies and individuals you think might buy it. I can't say I get an especially driven, independent feeling about the arts in Bermuda when that is the model generally followed. And, yes, I can see the necessity; artists have bills to pay, just like everyone else, and funders must be responsible about the money dispensed.

But, just once, while we wait for that 'creative city agenda' to arise, what about stepping outside the norm? Doing the unexpected? Bringing life to un- or under-utilised spaces? Being driven, independent and action-oriented and doling out an apology after the street art or guerilla garden or parklet is completed? Imagine: the City of Hamilton as an ever-changing creative, cultural space.

Think about it.

major project: the next new place?

The Green family has bought the old Sonesta Beach Hotel property (the old name stuck, despite various re-branding efforts), and now we are all curious about what's next for this truly unique site. It seems a cliche to say the possibilities are endless but they really are (setting aside the potentially challenging topography of parts of the site).

To refresh your memory, the most recent plans for the property, as devised by Scout Real Estate Capital, comprised a 5-star resort hotel "...with 150 luxury hotel rooms, a spa, several pools and restaurants and a private club, catering to the needs of both international tourists and local Bermudians. The property will also offer fully serviced beach villas around the property’s three sandy coves, ensuring excellent beach and water facilities for all hotel guests" to quote Scout's CEO Alan Worden back in 2008. Unfortunately, Lehman Brothers was set to finance the project and we all know what happened next.

Which brings us to 2013. What do you think should happen on this 25 acre site with fantastic views and three beaches? Inquiring minds want to know...