My architectural studies in Manchester, England have led me to develop a specific interest in how cities deal with the issue of depopulation. It may seem strange that on an island as overpopulated as the UK that there should be any such issue, but several northern cities are experiencing population decline. East Manchester is a good example of this. Once the birth place of the Industrial Revolution over 200 years ago, the area was an industrial powerhouse until the 1970s. Since then the population has halved and few industries remain. Over a third of the land in this huge area of the city is now vacant.
Based at the Manchester School of Architecture we have been investigating the possibilities that these types of area present. Can we find a suitable use for this land? Is there any point trying to get people to move back? Is there any such thing as community these days anyway? And is depopulation actually such a bad thing?
We have made many propositions such as urban farms, and recreational uses (ever played urban golf?) all of which may initially sound unlikely, but are serious suggestions for this type of urban condition.
Further to my interest in this condition I will shortly be making a visit to Deroit which evidently exhibits the problems/potential associated with depopulation and I be very grateful to anybody out there with any tips on where to visit, sources of information, and general advice.
BTW, I've just ordered a book called Stalking Detroit, edited by Young. Anyone know it?
Based at the Manchester School of Architecture we have been investigating the possibilities that these types of area present. Can we find a suitable use for this land? Is there any point trying to get people to move back? Is there any such thing as community these days anyway? And is depopulation actually such a bad thing?
We have made many propositions such as urban farms, and recreational uses (ever played urban golf?) all of which may initially sound unlikely, but are serious suggestions for this type of urban condition.
Further to my interest in this condition I will shortly be making a visit to Deroit which evidently exhibits the problems/potential associated with depopulation and I be very grateful to anybody out there with any tips on where to visit, sources of information, and general advice.
BTW, I've just ordered a book called Stalking Detroit, edited by Young. Anyone know it?