Cultural events widen public understanding of the history and practice of architecture.

Narrative

Research conducted at the University of Strathclyde by Dr Charley on the political, cultural and social history of buildings and cities has led to continued international demand for his expertise from commissioners of public exhibitions. His ideas and criticism has been disseminated though commissioned works in a variety of media, and by invitations to speak at cultural and architectural events across Europe. In 2012 he was appointed by the Scottish Government as Project Director for Scotland at the Venice Biennale. Conducted live in various public locations in the city of Venice through four ‘events’, Critical Dialogues (2012) explored the frontiers of architectural practice, engaging with overlooked spaces within the city and working with marginalised communities. Events included the organisation of a tour of the Biennale and a theatrical banquet with members of the local community in the Castello region who had never participated in the Biennale before; building workshops with local children in a community centre and nursery; the production of a mobile gallery to highlight ignored but historically important parts of the city’s infrastructure, and lastly the filming of the periphery of the working city from a helium balloon revealing 'never before seen' footage of the city.

Impact status	Open
Category of impact	Culture and creativity, Public understanding, information and debate