Contemporary initiatives in participatory art and architecture practice

Recently in the fluid space between Art and Architecture new innovative projects have emerged using informal and playful forms of social engagement to facilitate community led design. This paper shows the difference between a participatory project commissioned within the arts and a participatory project commissioned within architecture. Two projects carried out by the practice of public works will be explained to show how art and architecture working together can reach beyond temporary social events to support community led projects in the medium to long term. The first project 'Lay-out' commissioned by Gasworks Gallery was a residency over a 3-month period, which examined how the gallery is perceived and used by its audiences. The second project shows work with the residents of two housing estates, Braithwaite House and Quaker Court in Bunhill Row - Old street - London. The project was derived from the public realm strategy for EC1, commissioned by EC1 New Deal for Communities and was to create an active public and social space to be shared by two rather conflicting communities.