Green Gorillaz
Sustain Our Nation presented us with a challenge, to create a sustainable social enterprise. This led us to follow a very user centered approach as we felt that in order to create something truly sustainable, the community had to be part of the process at every stage. In order to achieve this and gain the required credibility, we branded ourselves as a project team; GetGo Glasgow. Our co-design process was very challenging yet extremely rewarding, bringing up new ways of thinking and doing. Throughout this process we learnt a huge amount about the changing role of the designer, from solo author to co-creator.
Without the Sustain Our Nation challenge we would never have become involved with the wonderful community of Wyndford. With this funding we will hopefully be able to repay their enthusiasm and commitment to the project with an investment to get Green Gorillaz off the ground.
Project overview
The winning moment for Glasgow School of Art Green Gorillaz team
Green Gorillaz (GG) aims to transcend generations and inspire proactive initiative amongst community members. This organisation aims to create a connected community within the Wyndford estate of Glasgow.
With the recent closure of the primary schools and a lack of a physical hub in which to congregate, the community has no focus; no central meeting point nor a method of communicating. GG aims to fill this void with a network of interest groups that are all under the umbrella of GG. GG will provide an outlet for community members to express their interests, questions, ideas, and possible changes they would like to see in the community. This open arena for discussion will connect like minds and inspire activity within the community. Through the creation of interest groups, such as an adventuring group, sports group, reading group, etc, GG aims to bridge the generational gap. Shared interests will link the generations and develop lasting relationships. Through these common bonds there will be a knowledge transfer that naturally occurs during group activities and meetings.
Through peer accountability and ownership of the area there will be a strengthened community spirit. These preventative measures will ensure a pleasant neighborhood and a safer environment.
Future plans
Once all leadership roles are filled and the constitution is ratified, there will be training events held so that leaders feel confident in their positions, and have a comprehensive understanding of the organisation.
The Glasgow School of Art Green Gorillaz team working on their winning entry
In order to raise awareness, Green Gorillaz plans to hold a launch party within the Wyndford estate to celebrate the success so far, advertise the enterprise, increase activity within the community and sign up new members. Once a large base of members is gathered, interest groups will be formed. These groups will then be able to apply for project funding. Every month funding will be available for smaller projects and three times a year there will be a large Dragon’s Den style event where groups can present their ideas and possibly win the funds necessary to take them forward. With the funding provided by Sustain Our Nation, Green Gorillaz will be able to provide such project funding for at least four years of operation.
Links
www.wyndford.co.uk
www.getgoglasgow.org