Architecture can foster community life in various ways.
To do this, architects must engage the community throughout their design process. Communities provide valuable insight about culture and needs that may otherwise go undetected or unappreciated by architects.
Involvement in the Design Process
architects working on public or private projects should strive to incorporate community engagement early in their project phases, whether private or public. Engaging meaningfully with a local population will lead to more successful projects that receive the care and attention of its constituents over time.
Architects should provide clear communication to participants about the participation process and the level of influence they will have over final designs, in order to build trust between members of their community and architect(s). This will help ensure their voice is being heard.
Community engagement professionals who presented at the convening highlighted projects that empowered residents to generate new ideas rather than respond passively to designer plans; constructed structures and spaces that restore dignity and self-respect; and established long-term partnerships aimed at reaching larger community goals. All of these examples demonstrate just some of the many possibilities accessible through community engagement.
Inclusion of Stakeholders
Community-driven design processes are grounded in the democratic belief that everyone affected by a project should have their say in how it’s created and designed. This method has become increasingly important as local communities look for solutions that meet both permit and funding requirements while meeting community needs simultaneously.
Stakeholders include neighbors, students, parents, business owners, employees, civic groups, local governments and service organizations, faith-based organizations, town boards, boy and girl scouts, 4-H clubs, libraries, senior centers, recreation organizations as well as civic discussions conducted via workshops, public meetings or surveys.
Informational engagement involves one-way communication and allows citizens to ask questions and raise concerns with organizations. Consultive engagement allows people to exchange ideas and opinions but final decision-making power remains with the organization conducting consultation. Building trusted relationships with community stakeholders benefits both organizations and those they serve – stakeholders whose views are respected will stay engaged with projects over time, advocating on their behalf when necessary.
Creating a Consensus
architects who utilize future users as design participants can benefit from tapping into a wealth of knowledge and experience provided by future users as design participants. This opens up possibilities for the project and produces smarter buildings more compatible with the surrounding context. It also creates a forum for sharing techniques and vernacular skills while building up ownership within local communities.
Consensus building can be challenging; individuals must commit fully to the process and remain part of the group despite personal frustrations while being willing to compromise for a solution that benefits all.
As architects, it is of vital importance that they prioritize building relationships with the communities in which they work. Doing so allows them to understand community needs and priorities more fully as well as avoid resistance later in the process, guaranteeing their designs will be accepted by those who will use them – something necessary if we hope for a sustainable future for our cities.
Building Trust
Community engagement can provide architects and designers with invaluable insight into what works in any given space, helping to craft architecture that truly reflects local cultures. This is especially important in urban environments where buildings may clash with local cultures and languages; community engagement thus is an essential way for architects and designers to foster trust between themselves and those they serve.
To establish trust, architects should be open to exploring new ideas and concepts, permitting participants to express their perspectives freely, and being clear with stakeholders regarding the process – including defining insider terms as well as being transparent regarding project statuses and levels of influence on outcomes.
An architect who engages with their community can use this engagement to craft spaces that are smarter and better aligned with its cultural environment, leading to happier users and ultimately creating successful design projects.
