The first tmg*  talks of the 2012 series featured panellists Nick Dean, a civil and structural engineer, Franon Wilson, a real estate developer and Carlos Hepburn, an architect. Coincidently, this talk occurred two days after the papers published the results of a report conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean in which the Bahamas ranked 21 of 26 in the use of green energy technology and last in green policy framework. The room at the National Art Gallery in which the talks were held was so full that latecomers were related to standing room only.

The panellists noted that this was the first time that they have had a multi-disciplinary conversation in order to discuss objectives and challenges regarding architecture, design and sustainable development. The desire for tangible, effective change was practically palpable in the room. There, surrounded by the timeless work of renown painter Amos Ferguson, we discussed how a lack of public education and attention to sustainable policy were challenges facing sustainable development. But we also realised how our traditional ways of sustainable community building are still relevant and work hand in hand with the built environment.

Panellists (l to r): Carlos Hepburn, TDG Architects; Royann Dean, tmg*; Nick Dean, IBS; Franon Wilson, Arawak Homes.

It wasn’t complicated or cumbersome. It was an enthusiastic, collaborative effort to make things better for The Bahamas. We have a tendency to think that the public is generally disengaged from sustainable development, preferring to leave that to the government. I challenge that notion because tmg* talks proves that given the opportunity to be a part of the process, to have their suggestions heard in a constructive process, people will rise to the occasion.

What’s going to happen now? All of these great ideas will not go to waste. They will go forward, with the support of the panellists, to the appropriate governmental ministries and private sector organisations. It is hoped that these ideas can be used to drive multi-disciplinary, collaborative efforts towards better policies, planning, design and sustainable development.

Whatever the results of tmg* talks, it is but a small step to enhancing our sense of place and encouraging people from different industries to share knowledge and solve complex problems. Peter Kageyama describes the creative city as a feeling of momentum, of something interesting about to happen.

This is what we should aspire to be.The conversation continues at the next tmg* talks – Entrepreneurism and the Creative Class, July 19^th. For more information visit: www.tmginnovates.com or contact Royann directly at @tmginnovates via twitter.