Jam today: unleashing the power of meanwhile use | David Warr | TEDxSt Helier

Key Concepts

• Meanwhile Use: Utilizing vacant or underutilized spaces for temporary purposes before planned long-term developments.
• Jam Today: Addressing immediate needs and problems instead of waiting for future solutions ("jam tomorrow").
• Structural Waste: Underutilized or derelict buildings and spaces representing wasted resources.
• People Before Policy: Prioritizing the needs and well-being of people over rigid adherence to policies and regulations.
• Transitional Planning Process: Requiring temporary uses for vacant sites if long-term development plans are not executed within a specified timeframe (e.g., one year).

The Problem of Structural Waste

The speaker highlights the pervasive issue of structural waste, specifically focusing on derelict buildings and vacant land. Unlike other forms of waste (e.g., fast fashion, food waste) which are often hidden or recycled, structural waste is visible yet often ignored. The core problem is the underutilization of existing spaces while new developments encroach on green spaces.

• Example: A greenhouse left derelict for 20 years.
• Argument: This waste is a visible problem that we seem unable or unwilling to address.

Meanwhile Use: A Solution for Today

The speaker advocates for "meanwhile use" as a way to address immediate needs by temporarily utilizing vacant spaces. This approach emphasizes proactive action and creativity in finding solutions.

• Definition: Making the best use of available space now, even before long-term plans are implemented.
• Example: The Eiffel Tower, initially a temporary structure, became a permanent landmark due to its popularity.
• Argument: We need to be brave and accept that sometimes a "meanwhile use" can evolve into a permanent solution.

Jam Today vs. Jam Tomorrow

The speaker uses the "jam today" concept from Alice in Wonderland to illustrate the need for immediate action. He argues that governments often focus on future plans ("jam tomorrow") while neglecting present needs.

• Quote: "There's jam tomorrow and there's jam yesterday, but there's never jam today."
• Argument: There is always jam today, and we need to find ways to access it.
• Personal Plea: The speaker uses the TEDx platform to urge the government to listen to his ideas and prioritize immediate solutions.

Vacant Homes and the Housing Crisis

The speaker, drawing on his experience as Housing Minister, addresses the issue of vacant homes amidst a housing crisis. He highlights the disconnect between the number of vacant properties and the number of people in need of housing.

• Statistics:
  • London: 135,000 long-term vacant homes (Empty Homes Network).
  • London: 55,000 people without a roof over their head.
  • Wandsworth (London district): 13,790 people on the housing waiting list.
• Argument: It is illogical to have vacant homes while so many people lack housing.
• Action Taken (Jersey): The speaker's team initiated a public engagement campaign to identify vacant homes.
  • Method: Encouraged the public to report vacant properties with photos.
  • Result: 260 homes identified in 6 months.

Transitional Planning and Brownfield Sites

The speaker proposes a "transitional planning process" to ensure that vacant sites are utilized even if long-term development plans are delayed. He criticizes the prioritization of greenfield development over brownfield redevelopment.

• Proposal: If a development project is not initiated within a year, the site should be used for a temporary purpose (e.g., parks, playgrounds).
• Argument: It is better to use brownfield sites for temporary community amenities than to leave them vacant while developing green spaces.

Fort Regent Case Study

The speaker uses Fort Regent as an example of a challenging site with uncertain future. He emphasizes the importance of prevention and maintaining community access to facilities.

• Challenge: The site is expensive to maintain and is slated to close.
• Argument: Closing the site may lead to permanent loss of community resources. It's better to find ways to keep it open, even temporarily, than to let it fall into disrepair.
• Quote (Bob Dylan paraphrase): "How many reports does it take till we know that we pretend that we just don't see?"

Prefabricated Homes as a Solution

The speaker suggests prefabricated homes as a potential solution to the housing crisis, particularly for utilizing vacant land.

• Observation (Poland): Prefabricated homes are being exported to Scandinavian countries.
• Proposal: Use prefabricated homes on vacant sites, even temporarily, to provide housing.
• Argument: This approach could bypass red tape and provide immediate housing solutions. If demand decreases in the future, the prefabricated homes can be removed.

Overcoming Red Tape and Prioritizing People

The speaker criticizes the slow decision-making processes and red tape that hinder development and prevent the utilization of vacant spaces.

• Argument: Government should serve the people and the economy by facilitating development and addressing immediate needs.
• Call to Action: Be brave, seek out meanwhile uses, identify immediate needs, and make decisions today.
• Principle: People before policy – prioritize the needs of people over rigid adherence to regulations.

Jam Today Website Concept

The speaker concludes by proposing the creation of a "Jam Today" website as a global platform for citizens to identify underutilized spaces and propose solutions.

• Vision: A platform where people can point out problematic sites and share ideas for their temporary or permanent use.
• Goal: To empower citizens to hold their governments accountable and advocate for more proactive and creative solutions.

Conclusion

The speaker passionately advocates for a shift in mindset towards prioritizing immediate needs and utilizing existing resources more effectively. By embracing "meanwhile use" and focusing on "jam today," communities can address pressing issues like housing shortages and create more vibrant and sustainable environments. The key takeaways are the importance of proactive action, creative problem-solving, and prioritizing the needs of people over rigid adherence to policy.