by Shantanu Biwas Linkon, published 2024-07-11

This specific competition is, indeed, a great opportunity to reflect on the notion of ‘Great place’, a frequently used language in public discourse, although it may possess specific dimensions in architectural theory. Comprising a large amount of natural waterfront to offer as public space, the competition for The New Art Gallery of Nova Scotia was launched in early 2020. The provincial focus was to create ‘Great places’ that will foster inclusive economic growth as well as contribute to developing a compelling and differentiating value proposition not only important to drive population growth but also to attract tourism (Design Brief, 2020). According to Ray Oldenburg’s celebrated book from 1989, a ‘Great Good Place’ provides various activities to encourage conversation among its users. These conversations, which are the raison d'être of any great place, are most likely to flourish in places where people can talk without constraint, except for the constraints imposed by the art of conversation itself. Great good places are ‘third places’ that often possess and produce social value. [...] more