When we first got the project, a lot of us were excited by the brief. Soon, we found out the project was difficult in terms of organizing everyone’s responsibilities. Finally, it resulted to a more group work as we all managed to gather our individual research and create the whole game. By sorting out what everybody had to do, we chose our subject. My choice was Studio Voltaire, because according to my opinion is not only important in the history of Clapham, but it also contributes to the artistic world. Studio Voltaire has exhibition spaces as well as private studios for London-based artists and educational programs.
During the project, I visited Clapham around 7-8 times (the 4 were with my group….) This was because I did not want to focus only in my part of Clapham, which was Studio Voltaire, but also in all other parts of the area in order for me to have a more complete picture of the space we analysing as a whole. One problem I encountered with my space is that the Studio was open only at specific times and some other times the Studio was just closed. Another problem was that the people working there had part-time jobs. Most importantly, the studios were private, because the artists needed their peace in order to concentrate to their work. This made it hard for me to figure out how to place my questions and be sure that the others playing our game, would manage to learn about Studio Voltaire and enjoy it at the same time.
As group work, we had some difficulties about organising our time, but in the end we managed to create a clever and full of imagination game. As far as the game itself is concerned, I would prefer the game to be more of a group work. What I mean is that the time we wasted in individual work was crucial to the game’s structure. At the end, I am glad that we succeeded in linking every clue, in order for our game to have a natural flow.
Finally, I wouldn’t alter my choice of the space, because Studio Voltaire is really important to Clapham. I would like, however, for the Studio to be a more easily accessible space to the public, or at least to be open during the day of the game. I believe, what we as a group managed to reach our goals as far as creating the game properly and knowing the area well. I hope the group playing our game, learned all about Clapham as we did.
Bibliography
Geographers' A-Z Map Company, 2006, A-Z London, Handy Road Atlas
Smith,E. E. F., (1973) Clapham, an historical tour, London, Battley Brothers Ltd
Myvillage: Museum and Galleries in Clapham, 2007,
http://www.myclapham.co.uk/, 22/10/07
http://www.studiovoltaire.org/
