The Miles Platting Innovation Centre is inspired by the concept of de-growth and aims to make technological devices and innovative technologies accessible to everyone. Currently 95% of UK households own a mobile phone, and by harnessing this mobile technology the programme is facilitated through an app, providing an inclusive democratic platform.
This connects the program with a wide audience and allows unlimited access to the site and its resources, promoting accessibility for all. The Miles Platting Innovative Centre App allows individuals to gain an insight to what is available prior to visiting, via the different buildings and programme profiles.
The app also facilitates each of the different programmes on site, providing numerous tools to aid individuals in harnessing all the programmes benefits. These include, booking a separate market space in the Makers & Markets, booking a counselling session in the Community Support, and even accessing tips and tricks to harness the Fab Lab’s innovative timber technologies.
This access to innovative technologies was not previously available around the existing site area, which is described as the most deprived ward within Greater Manchester. Therefore, the scheme promotes the eradication of the ‘digital divide’, often experienced by low- and moderate-income families and households, through the provision of community facilities which encourage individuals to share and access resources.
The use of timber technologies further promotes the de-growth concept, encouraging reuse and energy efficiency in all building work, whilst allowing everyone, regardless of location, background, or income, to use and access them. Finally, open-source design is used to construct Wikihouse’s on site, democratising access to well-built design whilst increasing affordability.
TECH GROUP - DESIGN TEAM
ChauYang Yuxi
Claire Johnson
Laura Jane Aspinall
Samuel Andrew Sayle
Sing Hong
Sook Wai Lee
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