Strangers need strange moments together: Designing interaction for public spaces

Strangers need strange moments together is a book that sees itself as a  journal, a series of case studies and engaging thinking about new models for living together, outside 'the urban masterplan'. It builds on the work of thinkers such as Jane Jacobs, William H. Whyte, and Jan Gehl, whose writings on the dynamics and social life of public spaces put the focus back on humans. 

The authors of the book, Mouna Andraos and Melissa Mongiat, say, 'We crave living in environments that support us, nourish us and inspire us. We dream of places to go through our lives together, inclusively and tolerantly. Can we re-enchant the raw material of our collective daily experiences? We have been creating interactive art and narrative experiences in public spaces around the world for fifteen years. Using music, dance, art, and other mediums to emphasize the joyful, whimsical, and unexpected, we create moments of connection and care between strangers. 

Strangers need strange moments together shares their experience in building an emergent practice combining technology, storytelling, performance and design, while asking fundamental questions to create meaningful work in a world in crisis. They invite a broad range of readers – fellow practitioners, urbanists, policy makers, educators, and engaged citizens – to take a joyful approach to building resilient urban communities and re-enchanting public space. 

Mouna Andraos and Melissa Mongiat, together with their team at the award-winning, Montreal-based art and design studio Daily tous les jours, have been creating celebrated interactive art and narrative experiences for public spaces around the world for over 15 years. Their groundbreaking work is part of an emergent practice that combines technology, storytelling, performance and placemaking 'to build a new infrastructure for the human spirit'.

Set Margins', 240pp, 17cm x 24cm, illustrated paperback, 2024