Barking Town Square, UK

RESEARCH BACKGROUND The research field and context is design-based research in the domain of public space and place. In particular, it considers the relationship of the 'non-place' of outer urban development and regeneration strategies of which this site - the Thames Gateway in London - is typical. The research asks: How can cultural and historical meaning and sense of place be encouraged in branded urban developments? How can design contribute toward a meaningful public realm? RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION Design-based research considers the actions and outcomes of a design as a form of applied research. In this case the new knowledge generated by Mel Dodd is understood in the context that it is the 'process' of design as much as the 'product' or outcome that contributes to embedded meaning for local communities. In this project, the folly was created by local trainee bricklayers, thereby creating employment and contributing to a learning program for the unemployed. Sourced from reclaimed salvage, the project creates a 'faux' history of Barking as centrepiece for a new town square. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE Research significance of the project is primarily demonstrated by the 2008 win of the European Prize for Public Urban Space, a prestigious Biennale international award from the Centre de Cultura Contemporania Barcelona, judged by a panel of experts. Barking Town Square is also included in international architecture publications and exhibitions including: Anglophiles: UK Architectures Rising Generation by Lucy Bullivant, published by Thames and Hudson, 2005; 10 x 10_2: 100 Architects 10 Critics, by Phaidon Press, 2006; AD: The 1970s is Here and Now, Samantha Hardingham (ed.), 2005. It was exhibited in Gritty Brits, New London Architects curated by Raymund Ryan for the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, 2007.