Joanna Laing

As the world has evolved over the past few decades, our spaces and the way we use them has changed, although memories of the past still live on. The sense of community which once existed within our city centres has fallen away, leaving uninhabited streets and vacant shop units. The social glue which held these spaces together has dissolved leaving no stage for the social interactions which once took place as part of everyday life, amplifying the crucial need for social alternatives.  

By understanding the past and present perception of Dundee through various forms of engagement with the public, this research project forms a framework to create valuable spaces for the city’s future. Exploring the concept of Genius Loci this recipe follows the table, the room, and the street to build spaces which hold the spirit of place and provide joy to their community.  The Recipe for an Urban Room combines the four key elements of space, seating, information and Fika (the Swedish concept of stopping for a coffee and a chat) to form a framework which can be applied to any place where it is needed.