P is for Pecha Kucha » Mika Meskanen

Pecha Kucha Nights reached their third instalment in Berlin before I managed to catch up with this phenomenon. It's about rapid-fire public presentations, strictly limited in time and form.

Devised by a couple of Tokyo architects in 2003, Pecha Kucha superficially looks like a standard auditorium situation with presenter, microphone, projection and audience with chilled beverages. This is where the fun begins. Main idea is that each participant is allowed 20 images - each shown for 20 seconds, resulting in a presentation totalling 6 minutes 40 seconds, before the next one is up.

These ideas are usually about each one's endeavours in art, design or architecture. Pre-set duration ensures that the interest level stays at the maximum and possible boredom within bearable limits. Also, more people get to show their stuff, so one goes home with more ideas. Besides, at least Berlin Nights are video podcasted.

All this obviously appeals well to the "young creatives" and design people with a touch of alternative flair. I personally hope, that this spreads among all kinds of human creativity. In one session, it would be marvellous to hear about something like; mushrooming, Orthodox iconography, weather prediction, language acquisition, investment banking and so on and on.

Related links:
pechakucha.de
pecha-kucha.org/helsinki