Case studies

I came across two interesting proposals that address the urban issues on different levels:

An ongoing application designed by John Locke, an architect who works in NYC, proposes a practical structure that allows people to share books.  The interesting concept is carried out by simply adding an addition onto the existing structure. I think this design provides a good example of how to promote the idea of sharing without a tremendous effort and collaboration from the designer to city authorities. 

More information: http://www.dezeen.com/2010/12/22/a-rolling-masterplan-by-jagnefalt-milton/

The second proposal is more Utopian, and it addresses the issue on the mega-city level. "A rolling Masterplan" by  Jagnefalt Milton discusses a new possibility of creating a mobile city constructed on the existing and new rail system.  The programs in the plan are quite diverse, ranging from hotel to concert halls.  The surrealistic imagination emphasizes the idea of mobility, which could be explored on so many levels that encourage the activities throughout the city.     

More information:http://www.dezeen.com/2010/12/22/a-rolling-masterplan-by-jagnefalt-milton/

Last, I want to ask a question that I have been thinking about after the discussion from last week.  Maybe it addresses the perspectives of the case studies, maybe not.  How to encourage a diverse public space through digital technology?  Can a social space be completely private through a digital information enclosure? Can a empty space be full of activities through a sharing environment? Can a simple mobile devices help us achieve this goal more or less?