Urban Centers of Manufacturing and Production
Urban scholar Karl Dickinson recently engaged in a discussion with Adrian Hill, a social design expert and lead researcher for the Cities of Making project. Their conversation revolved around the continued relevance of production in post-industrial urban centers, the necessary steps to initiate a circular economy, and how shrinking cities that transition their manufacturing skills into new industries might rejuvenate their social and economic status.
Adrian Hill, the focal point of the exchange, has a deep understanding of urban manufacturing and its potential role in contemporary cities. The conversation, produced and narrated by Karl Dickinson, delved into these intriguing topics.
The "Cities of Making pattern language," while not a standard published resource like Christopher Alexander's "A Pattern Language," demonstrates a strong connection to the concept of pattern languages in urban design. Influenced significantly by Alexander's work, this pattern language provides design solutions for varied scales, addressing recurring human needs and relationships.
The Cities of Making project, however, focuses on manufacturing and urbanism, offering insights into integrating industry and making into city planning. It does not encompass a pattern language or card-based design tool, unlike the aforementioned work by Alexander.
While the full "Cities of Making pattern language" is not available in a 50 card set, enthusiasts seeking pattern language card sets may find adapted or educational versions of Christopher Alexander’s work, although an official card set has not been published. For the original pattern language, one can find "A Pattern Language" by Christopher Alexander in book format.
The Cities of Making project website, yet to be indexed by current search results, remains the best resource for project materials, though it does not include a pattern language or card set.
Adrian Hill, being a social design expert and lead researcher for the Cities of Making project, emphasized the significance of adopting technology in urban manufacturing to reinvent urban lifestyle in post-industrial cities. Karl Dickinson, in their engaging conversation, also touched upon the potential role of technology in facilitating a seamless integration of manufacturing and city planning for a sustainable lifestyle in contemporary cities.
