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Mapping Nottingham’s Identity is a research project based on the collaborative re-imagination of public spaces in Nottingham (UK). Participation lies at the heart of this project; there is no agenda or predetermined outcome. We offer an inclusive and flexible platform to listen, discuss and share different points of view and engagement with Nottingham. Our practice, facilitated by Nottingham Trent University, is based on mapping, an essential tool to discover and to present visually how people understand and feel about places and their connection with the community. We have used this method in different contexts and with diverse audiences, outside of the traditional university classroom, to encourage a multidisciplinary and multi-layered account of these places. Our aim is to promote an exchange whereby each stakeholder has something to learn from each other and rediscovers interesting material to share with others.​The idea of “Heritage” is challenged by the concept of “community heritage” and belonging, trying to assess the connection, or lack of links between these essential ideas. The methodology used, Participatory Action Research (PAR), embraces a number of methods which encourage participation and exchange: exhibitions are at the centre of this approach, organised in public spaces, opened to everyone, facilitated by workshops, promoting creativity and knowledge exchange outside of the conventional educational spaces.This is an on-going project and as a consequence, incomplete: there are no final conclusions, but a reflection on the validity of the process : an exercise to encourage public participation and generous learning exchange from all those involved.​​
PROJECT GUIDE
Since July 2016, Mapping Nottingham’s Identity has gathered enough data to suggest that people’s attachment to the built environment is not necessarily connected to the recognition of heritage landmarks.
Our main contribution to knowledge is to challenge the notion of “Heritage” with the concept of “community heritage” by engaging people’s perceptions of their surroundings translated in the production of collaborative maps and postcards.
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Special thanks go to all participants and NTU students who supported this project with their time, energy and creativity!
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