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Manchester is riding on a wave of optimism as host to the Commonwealth Games. How can design help it to maintain its mood after the games have ended?

‘Near the entrance to the Epcot Center in Disneyland there are some large shiny structures. When you get close to them they are made up of tiny metal plaques, each etched with an individual or family photo and personalised message. Something like this would be cool, anyone could pay to have themselves immortalised alongside the great sporting legends.’

Steve Fletcher, Creative director, Shoot The Moon

‘Designers can only help if offered a hand in the process of regenerating the city by the agencies concerned, and if both parties have the mind-set to create change where it is most needed, not where it is most visible. This means engaging with the unglitzy, unstylish task of transforming the troubled areas of the city rather than building more multi-million pound entertainment centres.’

Tim Parsons, Lecturer in 3D design, Manchester Metropolitan University

‘Two events have triggered enormous change in Manchester, “The Bomb” and “The Games”. As a result of these two very different events, architecture of a truly international standard now shapes the skyline, and at street level there’s stunningly designed bars, restaurants, museums and retail edifices completing the transformation. Creatives are moving to the city in droves. All of which provides a lasting platform for the city’s future with great design at the heart of it.’

David Palmer, Creative director, Love

‘Design and architecture are integral to Manchester’s culture from the Haçienda to the city’s post-bomb regeneration. The international stage provided by the games will accelerate the city’s growth and optimism. The current experiences of city-centre living combined with the international focus will influence design decision-making, increasing cultural investment into the city’s leisure and retail infrastructure.’

Kevin Gill, Director, JudgeGill

‘Design cannot maintain the mood. It’s up to enlightened and visionary clients working with designers to carry on the torch of optimism. And to misquote that bloke at the Olympics, it is about winning, not just the taking part. Cheesy, but true.’

Alan Herron, Creative director, The Chase

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