Miles’ KWMC20 Story
When did you first come to Knowle West Media Centre and what did you do?
I joined KWMC in January 2004 (I think) and was the Archimedia Project Manager until December 2008.
How do you think KWMC has changed during the time you’ve known us?
Immeasurably, and so much more since I left. To have joined during our time at William Budd and then see the explosion of activity the building has been able to facilitate is incredible.
Has KWMC made a difference to you?
Absolutely. By instilling in me a sense that process is as important as outcome, by validating the need for advocacy, by opening up the world of environmental architecture (which is now my career) and demonstrating the value of community.
What other difference has KWMC made?
I sense its legacy in the connections I still have with some people from the Archimedia Project: confident, capable people, empowered to make a change in the world and I see the ongoing difference it makes every time I can come back and visit.
What are your favourite KWMC memories?
So many to include:
- A bath full of water crashing through the roof in the old William Budd Centre – what more proof did we need that the building was falling apart?
- Early sessions of the Archimedia Core Group when we said that young people would make all the decisions (to a sea of disbelief!)
- Explaining that a football pitch on the roof, a heli-pad and a three storey slide might be difficult to have in the new building.
- Being told we would never get the money (and drowning my sorrows with an incredibly defiant [KWMC Director] Carolyn at the Tobacco Factory.
- Celebrating when we did get final approval from the City Council that all the funds were in place. Lots of finger pointing and “We’re in, if you’re in…?”
- Watching the old William Budd be demolished over two days.
- Standing on the roof of the new Leinster House around nine months later.
- Returning whenever I can to be overwhelmed by the number of people and activities going on at once.
Miles Ford, Project Manager of Archimedia, 2004-2008
