Long dark nights, short cold days, rain and floods – its all doom and gloom! Predictably, just as the Copenhagen Climate Conference gets underway damaging emails are strategically released with the purpose of undermining the talks; as we learn we are all in debt to the tune of £850billion, we hear of paying bonuses to bankers who got us in this mess in the first place; the economic bounce back is less “dead cat” more “lead balloon” - not surprising that there is a distinct lack of Christmas cheer this year. The festive froth is likely to be short-lived - a bit like the top of that expensive cappuccino. But even Christmas lights can be “tasteful” – perhaps less “firmness” or “commodity” but certainly more delight than the usual bling!

South Molton Street Christmas Lights, London

We know that a high quality built environment is crucial to the region’s future economic prosperity and quality of life. However, debt is something we are all having to deal with to a lesser or greater extent - students of architecture are emerging from universities with debts of £35k - so how can we inspire young people to commit to a career in the built environment? Places Matter! is working with schools in the Northwest on several initiatives that challenge children to look more closely at their surroundings and raise awareness of design quality – so if you want to get involved have a look at www.placesmatter.co.uk/education

Places Matter! also participates in judging panels for several building and public space awards - Stockport and Blackpool Civic Trust Awards most recently. We saw some great examples of architectural skill transforming run down buildings in a Stockport conservation area to new dwellings – the Rostron Brow scheme also received Building for Life silver award.

Rostron Brow, Stockport, by TADW Architects and Guinness Northern Counties. Image by Eddy Rhead.

In complete contrast a new lighting installation in Blackpool by BDP called Brilliance – all sparkly lights, moving cinematic images and dance music – very “Strickly”- but guaranteed to raise a smile to shoppers’ faces, even inspiring shoppers to waltz down the street on a cold November evening!

 
It seems to me that as a nation we do respond well to humour and we are quick to smile and enjoy the unexpected – and that includes fun design – now that to me is really adding value and enhancing everyone’s lives.

 Happy Christmas and let’s hope we all have a peaceful and a creative new year……….

Alison Grant