Richard Sobey

Image: Richard Sobey 2020

Research

Subject

Characterising the spatial dimension of challenge: positioning disruptive modes of social activism within the power structures of urbanism 

First and second supervisors 

Abstract

Richard has a specific interest in smart cities, urban social movements and disruptive innovation. His research focuses on social activism as disruptive modes of innovation within urban development eco-systems. His PhD research aims to identify the socio-political and spatial characteristics of such actions to refine models for the structures of power in the city.

Biography

Richard is a Creative Inter-disciplinary practitioner, designer and consultant, specialising in strategic project, programme and organisational development in the Place-making, Urban Planning, Cultural and Heritage sectors internationally.    

He collaborates with artists, technologists, architects, planners and communities to make impactful experiences in the public realm specifically designed to inform decisions on projects, programmes and policy.   These experiences make temporary changes to the managed environment, urban or rural, to challenge understandings and expectations about what we can do and what we can affect in local neighbourhoods and gathering places.   They aspire to effect permanent change in how we think about space and how we design the urban environment.   His academic research complements this professional activity, allowing him to continue to evolve his thinking and practice.   Richard also co-founded the Speculative Worlds Research Collective, exploring alternative approaches to methodology and theoretical framework. 

Publications

  • Myers, M., Watkins, D. & Sobey, R. (2016)  
    Extending story-worlds through social media.  
    Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, 21:3, 431-437,  
    DOI: 10.1080/13569783.2016.1194193 
      
  • Sobey, Richard & Spanton, Sarah (2017)  
    Researching Resilience and Prosperity through Culture:   Harlow, UK 
    ISBN:     978-1-9997972-0-1    London:  DELVE, 2017 
       
  • Sobey, Richard & Haddon, Chris (2018)   
    70/70 Vision:  making conversation matter 
    ISBN:     978-1-9997972-1-8    London:  DELVE, 2018 

Links

Image: Richard Sobey 2020