PIC - Platform for Interaction (ex)Change
Esther Frimpong and Zena Moore
March, Manchester School of Architecture
PIC looks to advance the way in which our cities operate by providing a network for the sharing of spaces. A common problem is solved by PIC: empty buildings are filled by people demanding spaces to get together. PIC offers a scalable solution for communities whilst creating commercial opportunities for owners of underused properties. Patterned after city living, individuals are encouraged to make the most of their free time whilst using the spaces available throughout the city, irrespective of building typology. Essentially, PIC looks towards changing our associations between place and activity, whilst furthering today's growing sharing economy.
Digital technology provides the most efficient method for connecting people with spaces. Successfully piloted, PIC is more than just an idea but a social venture, with the city and it's inhabitants at heart.
(Photograph from Pilot test in Dortmund. Media agency to acoustic night, Esther Frimpong and Zena Moore)
Re:frame
We believe cities today should strive to do more with less by making the most of existing infrastructure. Being in the architectural profession has made us aware that there are resources around us, both in terms of existing buildings and the knowledge that people hold. Perhaps through combining both the latter and former we can realise that building more buildings is not the future. Rather, we should aim to connect underused spaces and the interests of those around us to enhance communities and create a new social network.
(Illustration of changing places. From gallery to studio, Esther Frimpong and Zena Moore)
PIC provides a solution to our city's current building crisis by promoting alternative uses for spaces. Inefficient use of buildings is questioned and the re:framing of these spaces through interactive means is proposed. The city opens up for people with PIC, where visiting previously ‘locked’ spaces is fun and changes our daily routine for the better.
(Mobile app interface. Browsing, Esther Frimpong and Zena Moore)
The changing place of architectural practice
It is great to know that architecture has the potential to move beyond it's traditional associations, to embrace a rapidly changing world. Technology has fast become the forerunner for all things social and the architectural profession is increasingly looking for ways to embed such advancements. Our research on growing cities demonstrates this present need for collaborations between existing platforms. Our project PIC addresses the problem of underused spaces in the city and the technological difficulties of making the virtual a reality through strengthening networks of people who live in our communities.
(Mobile app interface. Selection process, Esther Frimpong and Zena Moore)
Bio
Pic is a joint venture by Esther Frimpong and Zena Moore. As Master of Architecture graduates with professional experience in practice, we have dealt greatly with how spaces and communities work on both a small and larger scale. Such vantage points have heightened our attention to detail and the ability to think of ways that city living in the future can be improved through alternative mediums, such as Pic.
Contact: veer.cities@gmail.com
