Iman Keaik

Social Carpet in a machine like city

This thesis revolves around a series of hypothetical scenarios that can construct conditions within a fast-moving and sometimes exclusive city, where collective access to city rises is limited and marginalisation concealed. Challenging the Thatcherism ideologies of London’s Canary Wharf, the proposed ‘social carpet’ is designed to break the imposed, financially-driven boundaries of the business district and reutilise it to provide inclusive social and cultural spaces for the marginalised and the traditional working-class communities in the Isle of Dogs.

Like any carpet, it is inspired by everyday narratives of a place or people. When used and touched with respect, the rhythm of walking is slowed down. When used to collectively sit on and gather around it, the collective and inclusive spirit rises in a communal environment. When using a carpet in a versatile function, it can give freedom by softening the rigid system. The ‘social carpet’ is the best example of social cultural suitability; as in Persian carpets, the more they are used the more they last and the more valuable they become.