Prof. Dr. Marion Roberts is a passionate advocate for inclusive and equitable urban design. She believes that all people, regardless of their gender, age, race or social background, should have the opportunity to live in safe, healthy and vibrant cities. She is a member of several national and international organizations and has served on the boards of several government advisory bodies.
In her view, urban design largely neglects the night time. Proposals are predominantly depicted in bright sunlight, scenarios that don’t represent most days, especially in areas like the UK. We rarely see night portrayed, except for special events, and this discrepancy raises important issues unique to the design of night environments.
About a third of the economy revolves around nightlife and culture. However, some nightlife activities face stigma, such as neighborhood pubs or bingo halls. It is crucial to find ways to embrace, enhance and accommodate the wide range of activities that take place in the dark. We also need to consider the safety and ease of movement of people who are active at night, in regard to the various workers, couriers and emergency service providers. Although night-time safety statistics are more positive than public perception, it is essential to make people feel safe.
Interestingly, darkness offers an opportunity for creative design. Instead of using bright lighting everywhere, urban design should work with the different shades of darkness as a design element.
Instead of simply flooding spaces with light, exploring different shades of darkness can bring depth to the experience at night. For example, intergenerational night events such as festivals suitable for families of varying ages. They offer a non-consumer-focused way of recreation for diverse groups.
To face these unique challenges, it requires a change of perspective and a willingness to experiment. While some places have excelled in night-time design, the real potential lies in bringing these ideas into everyday settings. It’s time to imagine the night, creating a canvas for diverse creativity and encouraging an inclusive urban culture.
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This project is part of the national cultural program “Timișoara – European Capital of Culture in 2023” and is financed through the Grow Timișoara 2023 program, carried out by the Project Center of Timișoara Municipality, with funds allocated from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of Culture.
The Night-Art Festival is presented by George, the first smart banking.
Sponsors: Fan Courier, Iulius Town, ATP Motors, Pepsi
Project partners: Leeds City Council, In-Edu Association Timișoara, German Cultural Center Timișoara, Cluj Cultural Center, West University Timișoara, University of Art and Design Cluj-Napoca, Polytechnic University of Timișoara
Communication partners: Getica OOH, Aushopping galleries, Kiss Fm, Euromedia, Pressone.ro, G4Media.ro, World Wide Print, Daisler Print House, Știri din România, Tion, Express de Banat, IQOOL, Zile și Nopți, Știri de Timișoara, NewsVest, Adevărul, TVR, Radio Timișoara, România Pozitivă, Best of Timișoara