Output \\ Can architecture evolve from games?

Exploring scenarios through games it’s something completely new for me. I would describe my past approach to architecture as a more conventional optic of exploration in which I knew that following certain already tried strategies would get me to the desired goal. Funnily, this year I shall do exactly the opposite and place myself in the unknown world of exploration.

I have decided to approach the scenario mapping through playing. There is no reason why important world affair issues shouldn’t be discussed through games, right?

Using role-playing as a starting point, my scenario developed as a collaborative process in which each player of the game (including myself) can pursue a different route to a potential narrative of Shanghai (Snipiskes).

So.. that’s me, Player of the game. Each Player has a short description regarding their skills and potential tactic moves and personal interests.

My scenario narrative starts with the first Action Card of the Game – Bank Takeover as a result of Brexit. Following this radical instability, the game begins.

Each player plays a different strategy but what needs to be emphasized is the fact that this board game is a cooperative one in which all players collaborate and work together against the board. One example of a tactic card is:

As an overview, the game of Shanghai presents itself as an system assembly of constituencies: Heroes of the Game, Villains and Rescuers, Action & Tactic Cards and Resources. The strategy has been inspired from the social-political game experiment initiated by Steve York in 2010 and simulates a pro-environmental campaign as an explorative scenario builder programme.

As described on the People Power Game website:

People Power is about politics, about strategy and about social change. As a leader of a popular movement you fight against tough adversaries who control the police, the army and bureaucracy, even the media. The only weapon in your hand is your strategic skill and ingenuity.

People Power is more than a game. It’s an opportunity to join a community of others who want to learn about civil resistance and nonviolent strategies. Everyone can design scenarios and post them on the scenario page, available to the whole community. On our Forum, you can exchange ideas with other players and scenario designers.

You can find more information about the tactics and aims of the game here: http://peoplepowergame.com/

Using People Power as a basis for my narrative, I have decided to take the idea on step further and almost reply to it in a collaborative manner: the Game of Shanghai shall become a platform for the community to play out initiatives for their neighbourhood. Composed as a cooperative project rather than an individual / single-player one, the Game shall set the stage for a very interesting story.

Cinematographic inspiration arose from the sci-fi ‘District 9’. This Action Card challenges the D9 project and suggests that District Shanghai should be a place in which ALL HUMAN RIGHTS are respected.