Community Planning: Methods
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Video soapboxes allow members of the public to broadcast their opinions on video screens erected in public places. They are particularly useful for generating public interest and debate for high profile events such as a roadshow.

The basic technology required is a video camera, a projection facility and a screen. These can be used independently or incorporated into a special construction to make a prominent street feature (as illustrated ).

People are filmed making comments on an issue and these are projected for public viewing. This can be done simultaneously, or facilities can be included to allow for editing and captioning (see mther pictures).

Video tapes can be kept for future screenings and can be analysed as a survey of public opinion.


Photocredits
Building Design 09.04.98, Hammersmith, London, 1998, Architecture Foundation.
Public viewpoint

Public viewpoint
A resident's comments on the state of the local area are screened prominently in a shopping street. Passers-by can add their views to the debate by stepping into one the converted telephone booths, picking up the handset and pressing 'record'.






Thanks: Example shown designed by Alex de Rijke as part of an Axchitecture Foundation Roadshow. Illustration and screen shots courtesy of Building Design







Last updated on: 8 July 2008