ABSTRACT
The projects demonstrate the possibilities of working in historic fabrics, creatively engaging local people, reconnecting town centres to their surroundings and integrating a mix of uses into town centres. Valuing the existing context and developing projects as a continuation and evolution of what already exists allows new architecture to become part of the evolving story of its place. Engaging with local people is vital in developing new places and visions. The people who live and work in small communities know their place best and know the challenges they face. Creative engagement techniques, such as the making and performance workshops seen in Callan or the fanzine produced in south Cambridgeshire, can enable practitioners to gather opinion and build an understanding of local challenges, ideas and opportunities. The changing fortunes of high streets and town centres offers an opportunity to reimagine the function and role of town centres and high streets.
