Esther Johnson's film, Alone Together, the Social Life of Benches illuminates the thoughts and memories of frequent users of two public spaces in London: General Gordon Square, Woolwich and St Helier Open Space, Sutton.

Revolving around the micro-space of the humble bench, the emotional and experiential capacity of film is used as an instrument to highlight themes such as the feeling of being in a space, the rhythm and flow of visitors to a place, and the importance of everyday design. The film acts like a stranger who joins you on a bench to 'watch the world go by' and break the ice by starting a conversation with their fellow bench user.

Further information on the Michael Young Centenary Conference, '#MY100: Social Innovation: Tackling Inequality in the 21st Century' taking place at Barbican Conference Centre on 11 November is available here.