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The Creative City CONNECTING PEOPLE, PLACE AND IDENTITY
The notion of the Creative City as a prominent urban and economic idea is thoroughly investigated in Prof. Richard Florida’s (an American Urban Studies theorist focusing on social and economic theory) highly influential book titled Cities and the Creative Class. He argues that ‘human creativity is the ultimate economic resource’ and therefore cities that encourage the development of the urban creativity within their activities and population will flourish. Furthermore, Florida presents The Creative City as a method for urban regeneration and redevelopment. The Creative City however, should not be merely seen just in terms of economics. It has been argued that it is an important factor in a place to have a strong sense of community and identity. The prominent urban planner Edward Bacon writes that ‘true involvement comes when the community and the designer turn the process of planning and building into a work of art’. This thought suggests that The Creative City is about participation and collaboration, where the population possess a sense of empowerment and belonging resulting from this involvement, which allows the city to reflect the characteristics and personality of its people. Florida writes that ‘all human beings are creative, and all, are potentially members of the Creative City’, and as such if a city allows this creativity to flourish, a city can gain a strong sense of individuality and identity. The relationship between people and place is central to The Creative City with it being a place that through its diverse and vibrant activities and opportunities, is extremely livable and welcoming. What exactly is that constitutes a creative city? From new creation to problem solving, to imagination, to innovation and adaptation, creativity is a broad topic, encompassing many different disciplines and activities. According to Neil Gray (Urban Studies, University of Glasgow), there are three key dimensions to the Creative City, which are Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Openness. Week 14
‘True involvement comes when the community and the designer turn the process of planning and building into a work of art.’
Creative Rivers ‘The Clyde made Glasgow’ is a well-known phrase. It shows the importance of the Clyde to the success of Glasgow and its role in the evolution of the city. In the beginning of Glasgow as a city, the Clyde was only a shallow cobbled stream with the lowest fording point at the end of the High street leading up to the Cathedral. The Clyde grew from then onwards and reached its peak during the industrialisation era. Waterfronts are distinctive natural environments that give character to the city. Rivers that are taken care of and integrated into the city can help to shape its image, add value to the local economy, and boost desirability of the adjacent land.